#HealthXPh, VYLH-Philippines hold Preconception Health TweetChat

Does disability prevention begin in the womb? or earlier? “Prevention is better than cure” has always been a common and undoubtedly true saying. However, there is still a gap on how Filipinos carry this saying in preparing to have kids and start a family.

Last July 23, 2016, VYLH-Philippines together with #HealthXPH conducted a TweetChat on Preconception Health (PreCon) for Birth Defects and Disability Prevention. According to the TweetChat statistics compiled using Symplur, the one hour tweetchat which started at exactly 9:00 in the evening peaked with 560 tweets on the topic coming from 37 participants composed of doctors, medicine students and health advocates.

Moderated by Former VYLH-Philippines National President Ryan Pascual (@rypascual) with guidance from HealthXPh core collaborator Dr. Gia Sison (@giasison), the TweetChat session explored the possible reasons why preconception health consultation and awareness is not popular and the reforms or possible activities that can be done to improve PreCon awareness. The utilization of social media in improving PreCon awareness was also discussed. 

The tweetchat is part of the 7th Founding Anniversary Week of VYLH-Philippines and the network's observance of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. 

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VYLH welcomes PSNbM as prematurity awareness campaign partner

Health Promotion and Advocacy Update

Prematurity Awareness Month and 

World Prematurity Day Primer

This 2015, VYLH-Philippines welcomes a new partner in the advocacy - the Philippine Society for Newborn Medicine (PSNbM), a sub-specialty society of the Philippine Pediatric Society (http://www.psnbm.org.ph/). The PSNbM is an organization of board-certified neonatologists who are firmly committed to establish promote sand provide a continuum of care of the highest standard for all newborn infants. Early this year, PSNbM launched #HingaHingalo ni Baby a movement set to forge partnerships between various stakeholders in the health sector, in educating the public about prematurity, its implications, and available interventions.

PSNbM together with its partners sponsors “Prematurity Awareness Month” this November and this aims to help in focusing the nation’s attention on premature births and bring people together on raising awareness on the global problem due to preterm births. Prematurity Awareness Month is also practiced in the United States and promoted by the March of Dimes (MoD), a leader in the awareness campaign for preterm births. MoD launched its campaign in 2003 (http://www.marchofdimes.org/).

#WorldPrematurityDay (Nov. 17)

The global event takes place across the world every November 17. According to the WHO and March of Dimes, ‪#‎WorldPrematurityDay is a crucial moment to reflect and commit to action to help address the inequities in preterm survival between low and high-income countries,  and to prevent unnecessary deaths and health problems caused by preterm births.

In 2008, the idea to create an international awareness day for preterm infants and their families was conceived during the first meeting of European parent organization organized by European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI). During the same year, the March of Dimes launched its Prematurity Awareness Month in the United States. The first international day for preterm births was first celebrated in 2009. The event was celebrated by a greater number of countries outside the region, hence the adoption of World Prematurity Day in 2011.

Based from the EFCNI website, more than 200 countries participated in activities, and more than 60 countries planned special events for World Prematurity Day. It was estimated that 1.6 billion people around the globe were reached by the campaign in 2014.

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Take a break and watch these #FightForPreemiesPH videos

Health Promotion and Advocacy Update
Prepared for World Prematurity Day 2015

Photo: World Prematurity Day Facebook Page

Premature birth is a very serious health problem. Worldwide, 15 million babies are born preterm and more than a million die as a result. This is more than one in 10 babies – and these numbers are rising. Babies who survive often have lifelong health problems such as cerebral palsy, vision and hearing loss, and intellectual disabilities.

Whilst 60% of preterm births occur in Africa and South Asia, preterm birth is a global problem. There is however, a dramatic difference in the survival of premature babies depending on where they are born. More than 90% of extremely preterm babies (less than 28 weeks) born in low-income countries die within the first few days of life, whereas less than 10% of extremely preterm babies die in high-income settings.

‪#‎WorldPrematurityDay‬ is a crucial moment to reflect and commit to action to help address these inequities and to prevent unnecessary deaths and health problems caused by preterm births.

Here are six videos and a list of online resources for #FightForPreemiesPH:

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"I am Rare": VYLH-PHL UP Manila lights up charity drive for 'Rare' kids

Written by Feliss Sanchez 

Original Published in Newborn Screening

March-April 2015 Issue

In its commitment to empower the youth toward optimal health, the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health–Philippines University of the Philippines Manila (VYLH-Philippines UPM) held "I Am Rare: Alone We Are Rare, Together We Are Strong", a pilot standalone advocacy project for children with rare disorders, at the Tipunan grounds, UP Manila, on April 25.

This year’s program gathered 40 kids from its affiliate institution, the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD). The day-long charity drive was held to uplift the children’s spirits by evoking physiological and psychosocial awareness for young patients with rare diseases. UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, who is also the National Program Coordinator and Founding Adviser of VYLH Philippines, graced the event.

“Isa akong proud na Chancellor ng UP Manila dahil sa event na ito ay mabibigyan natin ng kasiyahan ang mga batang may rare disorders,” Dr. Padilla said in her opening remarks.

Orphaned by Society

According to Rufus Thomas Adducul, VYLH–National Capital Region (NCR)-South Luzon Cluster Coordinator, Filipino children born with rare diseases are usually “orphaned” by society through social abandonment and lack of medical help. In the Philippines, a disease is considered rare if it affects one in every 20,000 individuals or less.

Celebrating Bravery

VYLH-UPM Co-Project Head Feliss Sanchez said that UPM chapter’s “I Am Rare” program recognizes the kids’ courage in facing daily challenges and that was a success in terms of giving the children what they truly deserve.

“We did this event to celebrate the strengths of these rare kids who go through the daily struggles of rare diseases, to celebrate the childhood of these kids,” she added.

Together with Cluster Secretariat Marian Therese Cuenca and participating UPM student organizations, namely, UP Health Sciences & Pre-Medicine Society (HS+PM), ALAB and College Student Council of UP College of Public Health (CPH), AWSAMS and Volunteer Corps of UP College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP), YEARN of UP College of Nursing (CN), ProPharm of UP College of Pharmacy (CP), Biological Sciences Society, Biochemistry Society, and OMAKE of UP College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), VYLH prepared several presentations and booths for the children.

Disney-themed characters presented different theatrical plays for the kids who were given “student buddies” to guide them throughout the day. Moreover, the UP College of Medicine Choir sang the national anthem, while UPM’s Indayog dance varsity, CAMP Synergy, and Pharm Jam also performed for the children.

Fight for Quality Life

During the commitment ritual led by National Secretariat Aster Lynn Sur, parents and guardians of the rare kids expressed their deepest gratitude to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), VYLH-Philippines, PSOD, and UPM students for inspiring the kids to fight another day.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo dahil bilang isang magulang, basta makita namin silang masaya ay masaya na rin kami,” expressed a parent of a child with Gaucher’s disease.

To cap off the program, selected children performed a dance number to the tune of PSOD theme song, Lalaban Kami. The song encourages the children further to continue their fight for a better life.#

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To read more articles from the Official Bi-monthly publication of the Newborn Screening Reference Center, download the full issue of 'Newborn Screening' through the following link: March-April 2015 Issue

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VYLH, GeneSoc attend NAST RTD on Folic Acid

“We need folic acid.”

Participants of the NAST-DOST RTD on Folic Acid
(Photo: NAST-DOST)

Those were the words mentioned by UP Manila Vice-Chancellor for Research Dr. Eva Cutiongco-de la Paz as she concluded the Round Table Discussion (RTD) on Folic Acid hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) last June 23, 2015 at Hotel Jen Manila. 

The RTD on Folic acid focused on the importance of taking enough folic acid by all women in the reproductive age. Folic acid is a B-vitamin (Vitamin B6) that is important in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) or problems in the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord. It is recommended that all women in the reproductive age need 400 micrograms of the vitamin per day, while the dose increases by ten times for high-risk mothers such as those who had a child with an NTD (4,000 micrograms/day). 

Dr. Carmencita Padilla presenting the highlights of the
proposed bill on Folic acid supplementation and
mandatory fortification (Photo:NAST-DOST)

According to a NAST release, “the RTD acknowledged the role of different sectors in the drafting of the policy on Folic acid supplementation and food fortification”. In the RTD, invited experts discussed the burden of neural defects; the importance of folic acid supplementation to avoid NTDs; and the current local and global programs in food fortification. 

Highlights of the proposed legislation on folic acid, “An Act Establishing a Comprehensive Policy on achieving adequate intake of Folic acid through Fortification and Supplementation” were also presented in the RTD by NAST Academician and UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita Padilla. In her presentation, Dr. Padilla mentioned that “there are already many efforts addressing folic acid deficiency that only require coordination and support of policy…and when the bill will be passed, there are other challenges in implementing and monitoring it, but it is important to already start in crafting it (the bill)”. Dr. Padilla, also the focal person of the RTD, asked the audience to give their inputs and support to the bill. 

As representatives of the youth, members of VYLH-Philippines and The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) joined the Folic acid RTD. Aside from newborn screening promotion and rare disorder support, both organizations are involved in the campaign on increasing public awareness, especially among women in the reproductive age, on the importance of folic acid and its role on preventing neural tube defects.(RPascual; with reports from NAST-DOST)

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) conducted the Roundtable Discussion on Folic Acid...
Posted by National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Philippines on Tuesday, June 23, 2015

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VYLH-Philippines extends its gratitude to NAST-DOST for considering the network as youth representative to this event. 

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#DubsmashForACause: VYLH-Philippines celebrates 6th Founding Anniversary

In celebration of its 6th Founding Anniversary, members of Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health - Philippines were invited to use the popular app Dubsmash and post their videos through their social media accounts with the hashtags #DubsmashThursday, #DubsmashForACause and #TatakVYLH. Dubsmash is a free video messaging application for smart phones. The application allows users to choose an audio recording and record a video of themselves dubbing the chosen piece. 

#DubsmashThursday is one of the social media activities included in this year's week-long celebration which will culminate on July 18 (Saturday) with the Annual "Skype"-Pasasalamat Dinner. 

Through the years, VYLH-Philippines has tapped social media and the internet in connecting the network and its volunteers. Every year, the network innovates and adapts to popular trends among social media users. This year's activity is an example on how a popular app can be used not only for entertainment, but also in the service of the advocacy. 

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VYLH-Philippines joins Buntis Day 2015

Photo: POGS-Southern Mindanao Chapter

Held in separate locations, VYLH-Philippines joined the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) in celebrating the 12th Buntis Day across the country. The network considers "Buntis Day" as an ideal avenue in promoting the network's advocacies since it gathers hundreds of pregnant women. During the event, VYLH-Philippines volunteers were given the opportunity to give some freebies and informational materials on the importance of folic acid supplementation and newborn screening  to the participants.

As mandated by Presidential Proclamation 569, the National Day for Pregnant Women aims to promote the needs of pregnant women in order to have a healthier pregnancy. This objective is also reflected to this year's theme, "Kadakilaan at Malasakit ng Ina: Tulay sa Magandang Kinabukasan". The annual event also aims to recognize all pregnant women who are considered heroes in their own right as they bring and nurture another life into the world.

This year marks the fourth year of VYLH-Philippines' participation to the Buntis Day. The network first participated in this annual celebration in 2012 which coincided with the successful attempt of the Philippines, led by POGS to obtain the Guinness World Record on the Largest Prenatal Class held in multiple locations.

Davao City (POGS Southern Mindanao Chapter)

March 8, 2015

Cebu City (POGS Cebu Chapter)

March 10, 2015

Iloilo City (POGS Panay Chapter) 

March 10, 2015

Manila (POGS BAYCOG/Bayside Council in Obstetrics and Gynecology)

March 10, 2015

Lipa City, Batangas (POGS Southern Tagalog)

March 10, 2015

Los Banos, Laguna (Municipal Government of Los Banos/POGS Southern Tagalog)

March 11, 2015

Acknowledgements:

• POGS Chapters and our contact persons: Dr. Amelita Jover (BAYCOG), Dr. Fritzie Tenorio (Lipa/POGS-STC); Dr. Luz Cambonga (POGS-Cebu); (POGS-SMC); (POGS-Panay)
• Newborn Screening Center Visayas 
• Newborn Screening Center Mindanao
• Municipal Health Office of Los Banos, Laguna 
• VYLH-Philippines volunteers and Secretariat: Katrina Gurro, Robin Charles Ramos, Aple Dowanie Tadlas (Davao); Emil Martin Pelias (Cebu); Floyd Edrea, Anna Leah Millares (Iloilo), Elaine Dimayuga (Lipa City, Batangas), Rufus Adducul, Maris Cura, Mark Tulisana, Marian Teresa Cuenca (Manila); Kraniel Papera, Jerome Florendo (Los Banos, Laguna)

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Social Media Activities for Rare Disease Week 2015

Social media activities for Rare Disease Week 2015

Senator Pia Cayetano endorses Raise and Join Hands for Rare and Wear that you care

in a privilege speech last February 25, 2015

Compilation of VYLH-Philippines and PSOD Raise and Join Hands for Rare Photos

Official Rare Disease Day 2015 Video (rarediseaseday.org)

VYLH-Philippines two info-media albums on Facebook

Care for Rare and Rare but Real

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DOH-NCR releases NBS Week 2014 Jingle "Blessing ka Baby"

The Newborn Screening Jingle "Blessing Ka Baby" was composed by Mr. Lloyd Oliver Cruz and commissioned by the Department of Health - National Capital Region Office (DOH-NCRO). The jingle was released in 2014, as part of the Newborn Screening Week celebration. 

VERSE 1

Mula sa sinapupunan

Siyam na buwan ka naming inalagaan

At ngayon nandito ka na

Di ka namin pababayaan.

CHORUS

Oh aming baby, isa kang blessing

Kaya dapat

Magpa-newborn screening.

VERSE 2

Love na love ka namin

Kaya ito gagawin

Para sa kalusugan mo

Dapat natin itong sundin.

CHORUS

Oh aming baby, isa kang blessing

Kaya dapat

Magpa-newborn screening.

BRIDGE (RAP)

Napakadali ng process

Na mag pa-NBS

Ilang patak ng dugo ang kailangan

Para magawa ang test

Makalipas ang 24 ORAS pag si baby lumabas

Gawin natin ang NBS, alinsunod sa batas.

CHORUS

Oh aming baby, isa kang blessing

Kaya dapat

Magpa-newborn screening

Para sa’yo rin ito, sa kalusugan mo.#

Lyric video by VYLH-Philippines
(Updated September 2015)

*Graphics and clips were obtained from the Newborn Screening TV Ad (https://youtu.be/SXOvbEH36mU) produced by the Institute of Human Genetics-National Institutes of Health, UP Manila (IHG-NIH, UPM). 

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VYLH-Philippines introduced in 9th MSS

Written by Ramzy Nuique and Ruffus Adducul

NCR-South Luzon Cluster

Attendees of 9th MSS visiting the VYLH-Philippines Booth

MANILA - The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) - Philippines NCR-South Luzon Cluster organized a VYLH Booth during the 9th Medical Students Summit (MSS) held on September 06-07, 2014 at San Beda College, Manila. With the theme: “Catalyzing Social Transformation Through Medicine”, the summit  showcased various organizations and groups that underlines health causes and advocacies, one of which is VYLH-Philippines.The MSS is an annual event spearheaded by the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges - Student Network (APMC-SN).

Brochures regarding the three advocacies of the network namely folic acid awareness, newborn screening awareness, and rare disorders, were given to the attendees of the said event. Sign-up sheets were also provided for medical students who are willing to know more about the organization and are interested to become a part of the network. 

VYLH-Philippines volunteers during the 9th MSS

VYLH’s success stories, advocacies, best practices, and fun stories of volunteers were also shared to curious students through casual talks and a brief sharing. The said event was attended by VYLs who are also medical students. The summit served as a great opportunity for them to rekindle their commitment as a VYLH-Philippines volunteer.

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Editor Joan Barredo (NCR-South Luzon Cluster PIRO)
Photo credit Ramzy Nuique

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VYLH-Philippines NCR conducts Mothers' Classes

Written by Christine Querubin

VYLH-NCR on the go! Volunteers conducting the Mother's Class, a regular session done to provide information to the mothers of Ward 15, PGH.

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines NCR region conducts a regular Mother’s Class at Ward 15 (OB GYN), Philippine General Hospital every Saturdays, 9-10 o'clck in the morning.

The regular classes started on April 12, 2014 after the approval of Dr. Myka Martinez, OG GYN Chief Resident. VYLH-NCR members give short talks on Folic Acid Supplementation and Newborn Screening to mothers and their families who are in direct need of the organization’s advocacies. Brochures are also distributed to the patients and their relatives after each class.

The Mother’s Class is aimed to encourage the patients in the OB GYN ward to have their newborn babies screened. Talks on the organization’s advocacies are timely for mothers and families who may not be aware of the benefits of Newborn Screening and Folic Acid Supplementation as revealed by recently concluded classes.

The mothers classes also serve as a training ground for Batch E4 volunteers who are expected to conduct similar talks in their respective schools and communities.

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VYLH- Philippines supports Buntis Congress 2014

Written by Romulo Nieva, Jr.

NCR-South Luzon Cluster, Batch E4

Reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health are two of the health-related Millennium development Goals set by the United Nations and its member states. Despite the presence of this international framework, child and maternal mortality continues to be a pressing global phenomenon. This is especially true in the Philippines where several efforts have been mobilized to address such public health issue. One significant response is the Buntis Congress organized by ABS-CBN’s DZMM, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), National Nutrition Council, Midwives Foundation of the Philippines, POPCOM and Philhealth. This annual event, currently in its 12th year, aims to help nurture and enrich future moms with knowledge that they need for motherhood and child care.

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines NCR-South Luzon Cluster joined the event last June 7, 2014 at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Metro Manila in coordination with Ms. Beth Dumaran, Coordinator for the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health, and Nutrition (MCCHN) Unit of DOH, and Ms. Hermes Pascua, Newborn Screening Nurse Coordinator under the Center for Health and Development-NCR (DOH Regional Office). 

The event ran through a series of lectures on maternal health and nutrition and child care followed by a testimony by DZMM anchor Niña Corpuz about her personal experience as a mother. Talks on perinatal health were also provided by the DOH representative. Additionally, free pre-natal check-up and ultrasound were provided by the organizers to around 1000 pregnant women who attended the event. 

Members of VYLH-Philippines gave out NBS pens provided by Newborn Screening Center – NIH. Brochures on Folic Acid Supplementation and Newborn Screening were also distributed. Volunteers were also able to administer brief talks about the organization’s advocacies during distribution. 

Participants were able to take home baby bags and other freebies. Sponsors of the event also raffled away baby garments, pillow sets, baby supplies, and recreation showcases.

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DOH-NCR and DZMM partner for 12th Buntis Congress

Written by Ms. Hermes Echiverri-Pascua
Published Newborn Screening
July-August 2014

The Department of Health–National Capital Region Office (DOH-NCR) once again teamed up with DZMM for the 12th Buntis Congress at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall, Mandaluyong City, on June 7, 2014.

Buntis Congress is an annual event that gathers pregnant women and where mothers and would-be mothers listen to lectures about their health and the health of their babies.This year, topics in the congress include family planning, breastfeeding, and essential intrapartum newborn care including newborn screening, complications of pregnancy, and nutrition during pregnancy, among others. 

Mothers were also treated to games, raffle prizes, performances of guest artists. DOH-NCR gave away newborn screening lunch bags to the raffle winners. 

Members of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health–Philippines NCR were also present during the Buntis Congress. The youth leaders took this opportunity to educate the attendees on newborn screening and folic acid supplementation by distributing informational materials and freebies. 

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Ms. Hermes Echiverri-Pascua is one of the Nurse Coordinators for NCR at the DOH-NCR Regional Office.
Photos Ms. Hermes Pascua and Rufus Thomas Adducul

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VYLH-Philippines joins Buntis Day 2014

Written by Ryan John Pascual

UP Los Banos/UP Diliman, Pioneer  

MANILA - Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines NCR-South Luzon Cluster joined the Bayside Council in Obstetrics and Gynecology (BAYCOG) in celebrating the 11th National Day for Pregnant Women (Araw ng mga Buntis or Buntis Day) last March 10, 2014 at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila. Lectures on maternal health and nutrition, free pre-natal check-up, ultrasound and hemoglobin tests were provided by the organizers to the almost 200 participants of the event. VYLH-Philippines volunteers had the opportunity to give some freebies and informational materials on the importance of folic acid supplementation and newborn screening  to the participants. The event concluded with the "Search for Mrs. Buntis 2014" and a raffle. 

As mandated by Presidential Proclamation 569, the National Day for Pregnant Women aims to promote the needs of pregnant women in order to have a healthier pregnancies. This objective is also reflected to this year's theme, "Buntis ay kapit-bisig na alagaan, para kumplikasyon ay maiwasan". The annual event also aims to recognize all pregnant women who are considered heroes in their own rights as they bring another life into the world. 

This year marks the third year of VYLH-Philippines' participation to the Buntis Day. The network first participated in this annual celebration in 2012 which coincided with the successful attempt of the Philippines, led by the Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society (POGS), to obtain the Guinness World Record on the Largest Pre-natal Class held in multiple locations. 

BAYCOG is a non-profit consortium of obstetricians and gynecologists from 11 member hospitals along the Manila Bay area. The group is also a member of POGS- the convenor of the National Buntis Day. VYLH-Philippines NCR-South Luzon would like to thank Dr. Amelita Jover of San Jose de Dios Hospital for the invitation and the opportunity to introduce the network to the incoming President of POGS, Dr. Ditas Decena. 

Aside from NCR, VYLH-Philippines CARAGA also reported their participation in a Buntis Day event in Butuan City.


Photo Credit Ms. Marian Teresa Cuenca, RN (Birth Defects Surveillance Nurse for Luzon and University Research Associate at the Institute of Human Genetics-NIH, UP Manila) Particpating VYLs Ramonito Nuquie, Ryan Pascual, Marian Teresa Cuenca

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Ryan John Pascual (ryanjohnpascual@gmail.com) is an alumnus, former Folic Acid Campaign Committee Head (now VYLH-Philippines Committee) and Education Committee Head of The UPLB Genetics Society. He graduated with a BS Biology (major in Plant Biology) degree in UP Los Baños. Ryan is currently a graduate student and DOST-ASTHRD scholar at the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines-Diliman. He is also the first National President of VYLH-Philippines (2011-2012.).

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VYLH-Philippines joins Buntis Day 2014

PHOTO NEWS

BUTUAN CITY - VYLH-Philippines joins the Buntis Day celebration at Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City last March 11, 2014. With permission from Dr. Leonardo Pedrosa and the assistance of the City Health Office of Butuan City, VYLH-Philippines CARAGA represented by volunteer Julius Guilde was able to distribute brochures on folic acid supplementation and newborn screening.

Photo: Julius Guilde

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VYLH-Philippines celebrates Rare Disease Week 2014: Join Together for Better Care

WHAT IS A RARE DISEASE?

A rare disease, otherwise called an orphan disorder is any health condition resulting from genetic defects that afflicts no more than 1 of every 20,000 individuals in the country. Rare disorders afflict babies in all socioeconomic levels. Besides the little information available about their nature, what makes dealing with rare disorders even harder is that they are long-standing, progressive, disabling and life threatening.

WHY A RARE DISEASE DAY?

We constantly need to raise awareness on rare diseases among decision makers, health professionals and the general public.

Information is key to improving living conditions for rare disease patients; raising awareness is therefore one of our primary goals.

Read  more: VYLH-Philippines Primer to the Annual Rare Disease Week Celebration

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GeneSoc Holds Third National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest

Written by Chembie Almazar

VYLH-UP Los Baños

NIGQ 2013: A Success (L) NIGQC participants with the members of The UPLB Genetics Society;
(R) The winning team from Ateneo de Manila University

Because quiz contests never go out of style.

The University of the Philippines Los Baños Genetics Society (UPLB GeneSoc) conducted a competitive meeting of the minds during the Third National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest (NIGQC) last September 14, 2013, at Drilon Hall, SEARCA, UPLB.

Ten universities from all over the country participated in the contest, namely, Ateneo de Manila University, Central Mindanao University, University of the East, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of the Philippines Manila, University of the Philippines Visayas–Tacloban College, University of Santo Tomas, St. Louis University, St. Scholastica’s College Manila, and West Visayas State University.

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VYLH-Philippines pilots a Hospital-based organization: The VSH experience

Written by Robin Charles Ramos

It has been the mission of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines to expand its network all over the country. Likewise, it has been the desire of every volunteer to help in involving additional youth leaders and organizations to the advocacy. In the past, the network has focused on reaching to school and community-based organizations.

With these, I sought the opportunity to orient and train the nurses of Valencia Sanitarium and Hospital Foundation, Inc. (VSH) and  to create an NBS Team in the hospital. Through their active participation, the plan to pilot a hospital-based organization, a VYLH-Philippines Hospital Chapter, materialized. This type of local network of volunteers and health providers aims to empower its members in influencing the whole community of Valencia and its neighboring municipalities in Bukidnon. This will be possible in the participation of volunteers in the medical outreach and strategic programs conducted by the hospital. Through these ride-on activities, volunteers can easily promote not only newborn screening but also other advocacies of the Network, such as folic acid supplementation and support to Filipinos with rare disorders.
(Read more on VYLH-Philippines Advocacies).

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Promoting NBS Awareness through Hospital-based Strategies

Written by Robin Charles Ramos 

Saving the future of our babies lies in our hands.

Undergoing newborns to the newborn screening test (NBS) partially fulfills what has been agreed in the Fourth Millenium Development Goal (MDG) – Reduce Child Mortality. Through the program, we can save lives of our children through early detection of metabolic disorders. Congenital metabolic disorders are genetic diseases which do not physically manifest at birth but can lead to detrimental effects to the child such as mental retardation or death. These effects can only be averted with early detection and therapy. 

As a VYLH-Philippines volunteer, my active involvement in the advocacy, since I was trained to educate people especially the youth about the program, has allowed me to find my niche. Though I am not a medical or health professional, I see the importance of participation by playing an important role in educating the community about the program and its importance. I believe that relevant and basic information is the key towards successfully reaching zero-rate newborn fatality and a hundred percent newborn screening coverage.

Valencia Sanitarium and Hospital Foundation in Valencia City, Bukidnon
(Photo Credits: VSH Facebook Page)

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Med Mission 2013: Lingkod-Alay ng GeneSoc

Written by Gessa Ramos

Last July 28, one of the pioneer organizations of VYLH-Philippines and the coordinating group of the UP Los Banos (UPLB) Chapter, The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc), conducted its annual medical mission at Barangay Bagong Silang, Los Banos, Laguna - a community located within the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve which can only be reached through a horse backride or a hike. GeneSoc's Medical Mission was held in connection with the organization’s outreach program and advocacies. 

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