NASUGBU - The Newborn Screening Program of the Department of Health (DOH) – Center for Health Development – CALABARZON (Region IV-A), in collaboration with Institute of Human Genetics - National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila (IHG-NIH, UPM), and Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines (VYLH-Philippines), organized a regional youth camp with the theme “SIKLAB: Igniting Passion for Service and Health” on April 28-30, 2026.
The activity aimed to empower and mobilize volunteer youth leaders in the region to promote awareness on expanded newborn screening, preconception care, folic acid supplementation in the prevention of birth defects, and public support for rare diseases.
The program included advocacy lectures, leadership workshops, community engagement planning, and team-building activities to strengthen the values of cooperation, responsibility, and active youth participation for health.
The majority of the participants were youth leaders identified by school administrators and TEENdig facilities. TEENdig Kabataan is a flagship adolescent health program launched by DOH CaLaBaRZon to empower youth, particularly against teenage pregnancy, HIV, and mental health issues. It establishes safe-space youth centers in local schools and communities where teens can access peer navigators, health consultations, and psychosocial support.
Day 1 | 28 April 2026
In her message, National Scientist Carmencita Padilla, National Adviser of VYLH-Philippines, welcomed the participants for joining the youth camp. She also emphasized the benefits and positive impact of volunteerism on oneself and the community. In particular, she highlighted the role of volunteers as partners of specialists and health professionals in spreading awareness about newborn screening. Ms. Jeanne Ruth Basas, VYLH-Philippines Vice President for NCR-South Luzon, and Ms. Aster Lynn Sur, National Secretariat, also gave a brief message to the participants.
Dr. Monica Stephanie Moreno, Medical Officer III of DOH CALABARZON, presented an overview of the national and regional health situation. One of the key developments that she highlighted is the decline in adolescent and teenage pregnancy, which the region continuously aspires to deter. She also introduced the TEENdig Centers of the region, which aim to provide school-based, adolescent-friendly health services and address issues such as teen pregnancy, HIV, and mental health.
Mr. Rufus Thomas Adducul, VYLH-Philippines President, presented an overview of VYLH-Philippines youth network, its advocacies, and activities. On the other hand, the first advocacy of VYLH-Philippines presented during the camp was preconception health. Ms. Kevina Mariz Dajoyag, University Researcher I at the Center of Human Genetics Services, IHG-NIH, UPM, gave an overview of the topic through the LINC framework, which covers Healthy Lifestyle, Infection Prevention, Proper Nutrition, and Contraception and Family Planning.
In the evening, the participants wearing their “2000’s internet aesthetic attire” gathered for a night of socialization and talent. Teams were also represented for the Search for Mr. and Ms. Siklab.
Day 2 | 29 April 2026
The second day of the camp started with a message from Dr. Mark Nicholas Santos, Cluster Head of the Family Health Unit of DOH CaLaBaRZon. He reminded the participants that while pressure on their shoulders is overwhelming, their impact and contribution weigh more for the good of their community and the country.
During the morning session, the participants were introduced to the various advocacies of VYLH-Philippines, namely supporting newborn screening promotion, rallying public support to rare disease patients, and promoting folic acid awareness.
Newborn screening was introduced by Ms. Jane Delfin, Nurse II, Center for Human Genetics Services (Visayas), IHG-NIH, UPM. The presentation was followed by the regional updates on newborn screening coverage and initiatives from DOH CaLaBaRZon as presented by Mr. Jose Antonio Yap, Regional Newborn Screening Nurse Coordinator.
An overview of rare diseases was presented by Ms. Aster Lynn Sur, VYLH-Philippines National Secretariat and former Project Development Officer of the Center for Human Genetic Services, IHG-NIH, UPM. She also introduced the Global Nursing Network for Rare Diseases (GNNRD), which brings together nurses from across the world, building capacity through connectedness, awareness, education, leadership, and advocacy to support people and families living with a rare disease.
The topic of birth defects was introduced by Ms. Mica Caballes of VYLH-Philippines Batch Sibol through the “Baby Making 101” activity. This was followed by the presentation delivered by Ms. Irish Alysa Herlao, Nurse II, Center for Human Genetics Services, IHG-UPM.
In the afternoon, the discussion focused on advocacy implementation and leadership. Mr. Ryan John Pascual, former National President of VYLH-Philippines gave tips on creating and strategizing impactful advocacy campaigns. On the other hand, Mr. Christian Emmanuel Enriquez, Immediate Past President of the VYLH-Philippines, inspired the participants by sharing her volunteer journey and her thoughts on leadership.
As an opportunity to ignite action, the participants grouped into their respective provinces strategized and discussed their initial plans for the coming school year. This was followed by the plenary presentation of plans and critique.
After dinner, the camp team building commenced with the presentation of banners and cheers from each group. Various activities were prepared for the activity which each station marked by the festivities of the region. From chaos to proper communication and laughter-filled moments, the team building reminded the participants that leadership is stronger when they work as one.
The team building concluded with a synthesis facilitated by Mr. Ramonito Nuique. During the session, stories were shared, lessons were learned, and purpose became clearer: to grow not just as individuals, but as a community of leaders committed to a meaningful impact.
And as the journey deepened, the participants gathered around a bonfire and took their pledge of commitment as new VYLH-Philippines volunteers and TEENdig Youth. Each voice that said “𝐘𝐄𝐒” carried a promise—𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 a 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 and towards healthier communities.
Day 3 | 30 April 2026
On the final day of the camp, the day started with the election of a batch representative and provincial coordinators. This was followed by the cultural presentations by each provincial group. As announced, a follow-up meeting by the NCR-SL leadership will be organized on the plans prepared by each provincial group.
The camp concluded with the awarding of certificates, volunteer pins, and the distribution of promotional materials to the volunteers. Each pin placed to each volunteer carried a deeper meaning—𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬. Volunteers were also recognized through the Kalog awards, which made the event more memorable.
