by Louise A. Barcial
Driven by the theme “NBS OPPA: Outcome, Practices, Progress, Advances,” health leaders, experts, and newborn screening practitioners from across the country convened in Manila from October 16–17, 2025 for the 23rd Newborn Screening Convention, highlighting the nation’s pursuit of better outcomes and continuous innovation in newborn screening.
In her opening address, Newborn Screening Society of the Philippines, Inc. (NSSPI) President Dr. Rizalina Racquel H. Gonzalez, emphasized the value of learning and collaborations.
“Together we will learn the tangible impacts of our collective efforts, the lives changed through early detection, the innovative projects pushing boundaries, the meaningful progress achieved through newborn screening, and the advances that promise continuity of care for newborns with positive screens,” she said.
PhilHealth’s President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado commended the evolution of the NBS program, stressing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in its sustained success. “These stories remind us of why the partnership of the program leaders, implementers, and advocates in this room must continue to grow stronger,” Mercado said, noting how the benefits of newborn screening contribute to the goals of universal healthcare.
Throughout the two-day convention, experts discussed a wide range of topics: from the evolving landscape of genetic testing and molecular diagnostics to the integration of information technology in screening systems, and the importance of long-term follow-up and patient-centered care through the NBS continuity clinics. Sessions also featured international insights with Dr. Adejumoke Idowu Ayede presenting Nigeria’s experience with its own newborn screening program still in its infancy, while Dr. Zuo Hui from China presenting the advances in screening, diagnosis and treatment of methylmalonic acidemia.
One of the main sessions of the convention focused on the presentation of program outcomes. In her plenary lecture, National Scientist Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla reported that the Philippines achieved a 91.8% national newborn screening coverage in 2024, while emphasizing the need to reach the remaining 8%.
“Progress should not only be measured by sustained NBS coverage, but also by our collective efforts to reach every newborn,” said Padilla.
Complementing this discussion, the session on best practices showcased how strategic communication and community engagement fuel the success of the NBS program. Presenters shared education and awareness campaigns that increased newborn screening acceptance among families, highlighted the role of multidisciplinary teamwork and continuous quality improvement in eliminating late or unsatisfactory samples, and introduced the Newborn Screening Census Reporting System (NBS-CRS) for real-time data monitoring. The session also described how geographic mapping and coordination with local government units improved patient recall and follow-up rates.
From strengthening implementation on the ground, the discussions moved toward the program’s expanding frontiers. “Echoes of Tomorrow” highlighted advances in the Philippine Newborn Hearing Screening Program, emphasizing the importance of early detection and timely intervention of congenital hearing loss. “Nurturing Beginnings” discussed the rehabilitation and long-term care needs of infants with metabolic disorders, underscoring the value of family-centered and community-based support systems. Meanwhile, updates on “Integrating New Newborn Screening Service Inclusions into the Amended PHIC Rates” outlined efforts to align the expanded screening panels with updated PhilHealth benefit packages, ensuring sustainability and equitable access to comprehensive newborn care nationwide.
A plenary session on local research highlighted the importance of sustaining continuity clinics, improving management of Maple Syrup Urine Disease, and strengthening caregiver support during transition to adult care—underscoring newborn screening’s lifelong impact beyond early detection.
Dr. Padilla and other experts urged readiness for the next frontier—genome sequencing in newborns, which will redefine early diagnosis and personalized care. She explained that advances in technology, including newborn genome sequencing, will transform the future of newborn screening worldwide, emphasizing that “the Philippines must prepare for this future development.” These advances reaffirm the country’s commitment to future-proofing the NBS program and ensuring that every Filipino child is given the healthiest start possible.
The 23rd Newborn Screening Convention concluded with a renewed call for collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment to every Filipino newborn’s health. As the program approaches its 30th year, the community looks ahead to next year’s theme—PEARLS, which stands for Progress, Expanded services, Accomplishments, Research, Legacy, and Surveillance. With this forward-looking vision, the newborn screening program remains steadfast in ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
