by Jhonalyn D. Bantigue, RN
In collaboration with the Department of Health – Center for Health Development Region IV-A, the Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC), the Cavite Provincial Health Office, and the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital (GEAMH) – Department of Pediatrics, the Newborn Screening Continuity Clinics of Region IV-A successfully conducted two major activities in July and August 2025 to strengthen patient care and raise awareness for confirmed newborn screening cases in Cavite Province.
Thalassemia Forum and Pediatrice Specialist Consultations, July 14-15, 2025
The Thalassemia Forum was a significant initiative designed to support indigent patients affected by thalassemia. Its primary objectives were to increase awareness and understanding of the disorder among families, educate patients and families on effective management strategies, and provide direct medical consultations with pediatric specialists to those in need.
A total of 27 families participated the event. Each patient underwent assessment by GEAMH pediatric residents and Dr. Laura Aguinaldo, NBSCC Follow-Up Head. All were subsequently referred to Dr. Melissa Montoya, Pediatric Hematologist, for further evaluation and management.
In addition, 10 patients—comprising nine with Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) and one with Alpha Thalassemia—were evaluated by the same team and referred to Dr. Janet A. Adajar, Pediatric Neurologist, and Dr. Melissa Montoya for specialized care.
Specialized Consultations for Children with Endocrine Disorder at GEAMH, August 5, 2025
The Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology (PSPME) Continuity Clinic held a specialized consultation session for patients with confirmed positive results for endocrine disorders such as Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)—conditions detected by the Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS) program.
Dr. Carolyn I. Boongaling delivered an engaging lecture on Congenital Hypothyroidism, raising awareness about the disorder and educating patients and their families on effective management strategies in preventing complications and ensuring normal development.
PSPME specialists Dr. Cynthia Feliciano, Dr. Carolyn Boongaling, Dr. Jedeanne Aragon, and Dr. Maria Luisa Malabuyoc, assisted by Dr. Laura Maria Soledad A. Aguinaldo (NBSCC-GEAMH Follow-up Head), pediatric resident doctors and nurses from GEAMH, and staff from NBSCC, DOH-CHD 4A, and PHO, provided comprehensive assessments and specialized management sessions.
A total of 41 patients—40 with CH and 1 with CAH received individualized assessments. This clinic marked another vital step in ensuring continuous and specialized care for patients enrolled in the NBSCC.
