by Thricia Bless Ventura
The Newborn Screening Continuity Clinics (NBSCC) of Region 1—Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital & Medical Center (MMMH & MC), and Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC)—held the first-ever regional camp and multidisciplinary clinic for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) patients on November 5-6, 2024, at the Santiago Cove Hotel, Ilocos Sur.
The event, funded by the Department of Health Ilocos Center for Health and Development, aimed to provide specialized care and support for IEM patients and their families. The three NBSCCs collaborated in patient coordination, preparation, and liaising with local government units (LGUs) and program partners.
The two-day camp included various activities designed to benefit patients and parents. The program commenced with welcome remarks from Ms. Nicole Bugarin, program development officer III and Newborn Screening Program coordinator. The first day featured lectures on child neglect, livelihood opportunities, and financial assistance, delivered by social workers Ms. Teresa F. Sison and Mr. Jeremiah Nisperos. A workshop on livelihood projects followed, led by Ms. Estrella Pulido, a nurse from the ITRMC.
To foster engagement and enjoyment, the NBSCC nurses facilitated parlor games for patients and parents. In the evening, Mr. Nisperos led a group discussion for parents, allowing them to share their challenges in raising children with IEM disorders. This initiative resulted in the formation of a parent support group with core members from each facility, fostering empowerment and community.
On the second day, a multidisciplinary clinic provided free consultations and counseling in clinical genetics, neurology, developmental pediatrics, dentistry, dietary counseling, and medical social services. Dr. Mary Erika Orteza, a clinical geneticist, discussed IEM disorder management, while Dr. Jerson Agabao, a pediatric neurologist, covered neurological complications. Additional sessions on developmental pediatrics and dietary management were conducted by Dr. Leanith Haya and Ms. Catherine Kaye Erestain, RND.
A gift-giving activity ensured that no patient or family was left empty-handed. Parents expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the NBSCC Region 1 and DOH-Ilocos CHD. Ms. Vanessa Mabalo, an NBSCC nurse, acknowledged the contributions of nutritionists-dietitians in preparing special meals for patients with dietary restrictions. Ms. Erestain, who supervised the dietary team, thanked follow-up heads Dr. Ivy Rose Valdez Acosta, Dr. Judy Pipo-Deveza, and Dr. Alma Estrada for their continuous guidance and support.
Ms. Nicole Marie Bugarin emphasized that the success of the program was a result of teamwork and coordination among all NBSCCs in Region 1. From patient recall to lab work facilitation and LGU coordination for transportation, the event was a collaborative effort. Mr. Juan Ian Balancio, program development officer II, also acknowledged the support of the LGUs in providing transport assistance for patients and their families.
In an interview, Ms. Bugarin reiterated the commitment of the NBSCC Region 1 and DOH-Ilocos CHD to continue organizing similar initiatives. “This won’t be the first and last—we will be preparing more in the future,” she affirmed.
The NBSCC Region 1 and DOH-Ilocos CHD remain dedicated to enhancing care and support for IEM patients, envisioning more impactful activities in the years to come.
