During the Reunion of Saved Babies of the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) on October 23, 2025, patients with Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEMs) showcased their creativity and skills in singing and dancing as a testament to the improvement of their overall health through the Expanded Newborn Screening Program (ENBS).
The patients were identified through the Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS) as having Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). Upon confirmation, appropriate treatment and management were promptly initiated to support their healthy growth and development. They continue to receive regular follow-up care at the NBS Continuity Clinics (NBSCC) of Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC), Bicol Medical Center (BMC), and the Satellite Clinic at Sorsogon Provincial Hospital (SPH).
Parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the DOH Bicol CHD regional coordinators, partner institutions, and to the dedicated healthcare workers—especially the NBSCC Follow-up Team—for their unwavering commitment and compassion. They shared how, through the collective efforts of these individuals and institutions, their children were given the chance to live healthy, fulfilling, and high-functioning lives, proving the life-changing impact of the ENBS.
Present were Dr. Leslie Anne Q. Moises, Medical Specialist, BRHMC, Dr. Mariegella Christe S. Ciocson, Head of the BRHMC Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Maria Julieta I. Salvosa, President, Philippine Pediatric Society Inc. Bicol Chapter, and Dr. Gisela Joyce M. Claveron- de la Rosa, Family Health Cluster Head, DOH Bicol CHD.
Also present were Ms. Mildred Panes, Development Management Officer IV, Provincial DOH Office of Camarines Sur, municipal health officers and NBS coordinators.
The Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS) is the only way to early identify IEMs, which are genetic disorders that may lead to serious health complications, developmental delays, or even mortality if left undiagnosed and untreated.
The DOH Bicol CHD encourages parents to have their child undergo newborn screening 24 hours from birth at the DOH-licensed birthing facilities to ensure that newborns are timely screened for possible IEMs and prevent mental retardation and death.
Source: DOH Bicol CHD