by Nikki D. Dela Cruz, RN, MPH
Following its initial launch at the Systems Plus College Foundation, the second ENBS orientation for colleges and universities took place on March 11, 2025, targeting second-year student nurses, student midwives, and clinical instructors of the Good Samaritan Colleges in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. This event was a collaborative effort between the Newborn Screening Center Central Luzon (NSC-CL) and Good Samaritan Colleges – College of Nursing and Midwifery, reflecting a strong partnership between healthcare education and newborn screening advocacy.
The Good Samaritan Colleges, known for their reputable nursing and midwifery programs, serve as a vital educational institution in the region. The orientation was structured into two sessions—morning and afternoon—accommodating a total of 487 second-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM) students. Dean Marina Magnolia G. Ninobla delivered the inspiring opening and closing remarks for both sessions. Khristian Jeabie Delirio, a clinical instructor, ensured that students remained attentive by occasionally injecting random ENBS questions between lectures.
The large turnout underscored the commitment to equipping future healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and skills related to newborn screening—a critical public health intervention aimed at the early detection and management of congenital disorders. The orientation sessions not only served to educate but also fostered collaboration among students and clinical instructors, ensuring that newborn screening principles were integrated into clinical practice and community health education. This aligns with the broader strategy outlined in the National Comprehensive Newborn Screening System, which emphasizes continuous training, advocacy, and partnership with various stakeholders, including academic institutions, local government units, and healthcare providers.
The ENBS orientation at the Good Samaritan Colleges represents a significant step in strengthening the newborn screening network in Central Luzon. By engaging future nurses and midwives early in their training, the program ensures the sustained promotion and proper implementation of newborn screening services. The success of this initiative is a testament to the collaborative spirit between the NSC-CL and educational institutions, highlighting the critical role of education in public health programs.
