by Anthony James F. Almazan
Toward strengthening child health services, the Provincial Government of Isabela, through the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), convened a province-wide dissemination forum on June 24, 2025 at the Provincial Capitol Amphitheater. The forum aimed to bolster multi-sectoral support for the Newborn Screening (NBS) Program.
With the theme “Nagkaisang mga Bayan Sumusuporta sa Batang Isabeleño,” the forum gathered key stakeholders from across the province, including municipal and city health officers, representatives from the LGUs and district hospitals, members of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Health, and the Liga ng mga Barangay. It was also attended and supported by the Department of Health – Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development and the Newborn Screening Center – Northern Luzon. The event underscored the collective responsibility of government and community leaders in promoting early detection and timely intervention for congenital disorders among newborns.
The activity was held in accordance with Executive Order No. 39, Series of 2024, issued by Gov. Rodito T. Albano III. The EO mandates the institutionalization and expansion of the NBS Program across the province, emphasizing the need for coordinated action among government agencies, local health units, and private partners to guarantee every child’s right to a healthy start in life.
The forum’s objectives were to promote the integration of the NBS Program into Primary Care Provider Networks, improve coordination among healthcare facilities, and establish robust support systems for families of patients identified through newborn screening. Stakeholdersengaged in dialogue to strengthen program implementation and explore practical strategies for sustained service delivery.
In her message of support, Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, one of the proponents of NBS, emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing the program. “The success of the Newborn Screening Program lies in our shared commitment to give every Filipino child a fair start in life,” she noted. “Let us continue to strengthen our systems, empower our healthcare workers, and ensure that no child is left behind when it comes to life-saving early diagnosis.” Her words served as a powerful reminder of the program’s mission and the vital role that collaboration plays in safeguarding the health of the nation’s children.
The partnership among local leaders, healthcare professionals, and national stakeholders has laid a strong foundation for the sustained implementation of the NBS Program across all communities in Isabela. The momentum generated by this gathering is expected to lead to stronger policy support, more efficient referral systems, and increased public awareness of the value of newborn screening.
As the province moves forward in operationalizing EO No. 39, the commitment demonstrated by its leaders and stakeholders serves as a model for other provinces to emulate—proving that when a community unites for the welfare of its youngest citizens, transformational change is not only possible but inevitable. The forum marked a pivotal step toward a unified, province-wide approach to newborn screening—ensuring that no Batang Isabeleño is left behind.
