#FolicacidPH 2020 focuses on folic acid and the health of our future generation

PAMPANGA - Once again, the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines, together with more than 40 organizations who accepted the challenge to become partners in the campaign, utilized its youth force last July 18, 2020 in the promotion of the significance of folic acid supplementation to the health of everyone, especially those who are planning to conceive.

The National Social media Day for Folic acid Awareness, also known as #FolicacidPH, was conceptualized by VYLH-Philippines Pioneer and Former National President Ryan John Pascual in 2016. Since then, the event is annually held in conjunction with the observance of the Nutrition Month and National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. This year, the non-profit health promotion activity was coordinated by VYLH-Philippines North and Central Luzon Cluster. 

About the theme

Our future generation deserves the best start in life. An insufficient amount of folic acid in the body of a woman before and during each pregnancy can mean the difference between a normal life for the baby and a life challenged by congenital anomalies or one cut short by untimely death. Thus, taking folic acid supplements can be the first best gift we can give to our future kids.

On its 5th year, the theme of the social media campaign, “Folic acid supplementation: Key to better health of our future generation” emphasizes the importance of taking folic acid before and during each pregnancy, as well as its role in ensuring the health of our next generation. Knowing this, the vitamin can contribute largely to the quality of their lives and their future contributions to the society at large.

Folic acid is a key component in preventing some major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine, collectively known as neural tube defects (NTD). Studies shows that the intake of folic acid through supplementation and food fortification can significantly reduce the risk of NTDs. In case of supplementation, proper dosage and intake schedule can lessen the risk of NTDs by up to 70% [1].

Folic acid is very important for the health of babies during conception. However, this doesn’t mean that only pregnant women and those that are in the reproductive age need folic acid. Everyone needs folic acid. Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9 or folate, is used by our bodies to make new cells. Since it is water-soluble, it is excreted regularly from the body and it should be replenished everyday.

According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, 1 in every 5 Pinays of childbearing age is folate deficient [2]. This may be associated to the low awareness on the significance of Vitamin B9 among Filipino women belonging in the reproductive age and the absence of a legislation on Folic acid fortification, supplementation and public education. With these in mind, VYLH-Philippines conducts awareness campaigns such as #folicacidPH and engages its campaign partners to reach more people and inform them of the impact of folic acid for them as an individual, their families and for the whole community.

#folicacidPH 2020

Modifications were made for this year’s campaign were made to adapt to the present situation brought about by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This health crisis posed a great challenge to the campaign but the members of VYLH-Philippines made sure that, despite the hurdles they faced, the goal of increasing public awareness about the importance of Folic acid supplementation was met.

Because everyone’s safety is of highest priority, “on-the-ground” and group activities, that were conducted during the previous years by the members of VYLH-Philippines and its partners, were discouraged. Hence, #folicacidPH 2020 was composed purely of online activities. 

The campaign focused on sharing posts about folic acid and its benefits to everyone’s health. The official profile photo frame and profile banner for #folicacidPH 2020 were also launched during the campaign’s kickoff at the start of the month of July. Partner organizations were also encouraged to craft their own infographics and conduct online discussions about the campaign.

A statement chain was shared through social media where advocates stated the reason why they support #folicacidPH and a bingo card with pictures of different foods tickled the minds of the advocates as they identify which of those are good sources of folate.

To take advantage of the popularity of TikTok among the youth, VYLH-Philippines also launched #FASayaw, a dance challenge for Folic acid awareness. #folicacidPH also took the Twitter-verse by storm as facts about Folic acid were tweeted and retweeted by the advocates during the Tweet Barrage. Another Tiktok challenge that was done by VYLH-Philippines volunteers for the 11th Founding Anniversary of the network and national social media day was the "e-numan" challenge wherein volunteers took the vitamin in the tune of Oops by Little Mix.  

To cap off the campaign, over 300 advocates attended the Folic acid Webinar hosted by the VYLH-Philippines conducted on July 19, 2020 (6:00 P.M. Manila Time) via WebinarJam. The webinar featured three lectures. Ms. Jeanne Ruth Basas, RND, Nutritionist-Dietitian of the UP NIH-Institute of Human Genetics, discussed about folic acid in the diet. Dr. Mary Ann Abacan, Geneticist-Metabolic Specialist in UP-Philippine General Hospital and VYLH-Philippines NCR-South Luzon Cluster Adviser, gave updates about folic acid while UP Manila Chancellor and VYLH-Philippines Founding Adviser Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla explained the importance of having a comprehensive legislation for folic acid fortification and supplementation. The presentations were followed by an open forum facilitated by the webinar moderator, VYLH-Philippines National President Rufus Thomas Adducul.#

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[1] Blencowe et al.2010
[2] DOST CALABARZON

Words by Nikki Dela Cruz, RN (Kabilin, Pampanga)
Edited by RPascual/Trisha Guioguio

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#folicacidPH 2019 to highlight the role of Folic acid in healthy and planned pregnancies

On July 18, 2019, Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines together with 70 partner organizations will unite for #folicacidPH and use its youth force in promoting the importance of folic acid supplementation. Launched in 2016, the event dubbed as the "National Social media Day for Folic acid Awareness" is annually held in line with the observance of Nutrition Month and National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

Why promote folic acid? 

Everyone needs folic acid. Folic acid is a B vitamin, specifically Vitamin B9. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Folic acid is also very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine which are collectively known as neural tube defects.

In the Philippines, awareness on the significance of folic acid supplementation among Filipino women in reproductive age is presumed to be low, as folate deficiency has been determined to exist. According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, 1 in every 5 pinays of childbearing age is folate deficient. Hence, there is a need for increasing public awareness on this matter, especially in the absence of a legislation on folic acid fortification, supplementation and public education.

What are Neural Tube Defects?

Neural tube defects (NTDs) comprise one of the most common group of serious birth defects and these may result in immediate infant death, deformity, or disability. Examples of this kind of birth defects include anencephaly or severe underdevelopment of the brain; encephalocele or protrusion of brain tissue from an abnormal opening in the skull; and spina bifida or the incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column.

Studies have shown that the intake of folic acid or vitamin B9 through supplementation and food fortification can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) or problems on the development of the baby’s brain and spine. In case of supplementation, proper dosage and intake schedule can lessen the risk of NTDs by up to 70%.

What to expect in #folicacidPH?

Although there are efforts directed towards increasing awareness, knowledge and consumption of folic acid, the full potential of folic acid to reduce the risk of NTDs has not yet realized in the Philippines.

In order to promote public awareness, #folicacidPH will utilize Facebook and Twitter as its major online platforms. This year, the campaign will also launch a second hashtag #B9before9. The second hashtag emphasizes the need for the proper dosage and intake of folic acid months before conception. It is known that the neural tube forms in the first few weeks of pregnancy and this occurs weeks before a woman recognizes that she is pregnant. Hence, women in the reproductive age, especially those planning a pregnancy, should include folic acid in their supplements.

A Facebook Live Webinar on July 18 (7:00 PM Manila Time) will also be hosted by VYLH-Philippines together with the Philippine Pediatric Society - Section of Genetics, Newborn Screening Reference Center, Institute of Human Genetics - National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila and March of Dimes. In the online forum, UP Manila Chancellor and VYLH-Philippines National Program Adviser Dr. Carmencita Padilla will discuss the importance of folic acid for better health and improving birth outcomes. This will be followed by an open forum with Dr. Mary Ann Abacan and moderator Arvin Orajay, RND.

Suggested tweets, status messages and infographics will also be provided by the youth network. Aside from the social media component, partner organizations are encouraged to bring the campaign “on the ground” as part of their activities in their schools and communities. #

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For questions or clarifications to the campaign, kindly send an email to folicacidph@gmail.com or a direct message to the folicacidPH Facebook Page (facebook.com/folicacidph)

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TeamMATES partners with VYLH on Folic acid Supplementation talk

A series of educational discussions were conducted at Barangay San Enrique, San Lorenzo, Guimaras at the barangay session hall last April 25.

In line with their Project TAMA,  TeamMATE members Melvie Repospolo and Joser Barcelona discussed topics on Nutrition in Ages and Nutrition in Disaster Feeding.  With a special talk on Folic acid supplementation and Nutrition for Pregnant Mothers by TeamMATE member and Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) advocate Ulah Lynn Arancillo (Hayaw, 2018). 

“I was amazed that one needs to eat 200 apples in order to complete the daily 400 µg folic acid requirement”- said Jimmy Lobaton, Brgy. Kagawad. The attendees were enlightened on the importance of folic acid supplementation for pregnant women as it can reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects.  

The talk was attended by our core group, Nutristars, which composed of barangay officials and BHWs. The barangay health center, specifically the BHWs were then given brochures on folic acid supplementation for them to hand it out to mothers during their prenatal check-up. 

With this we are thanking our health partner, Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health - Philippines (VYLH), for providing us lecture materials and brochures on Folic acid Supplementation and Preconception Health. 

Project TeamMATES

Brgy. San Enrique, San Lorenzo
Province of Guimaras

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Giving students an iron and folic acid boost: DOH, DepEd launch WIFA Program

According to the 2013 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), one out of 10 females aged 13 to 19 years old suffer from anemia or the deficiency of healthy red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood. Female adolescents are vulnerable to anemia due to the increase in iron demand of their bodies following menstruation, rapid growth and some parasitic infections.

Considering that most adolescents are in school and do not access health services in the health center, the Department of Health (DOH) partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) in implementing a school-based Weekly Iron-Folic acid (WIFA) Supplementation Program among female Grade 7 to 10 students throughout the country. WIFA supplementation is expected to contribute to the reduction of the participants’ absenteeism due to ill health and the eventual improvement of their school performance. It has been known that 200-500 million school days are lost due to absenteeism.

Launch of the WIFA Program in Iloilo National High School, Iloilo City (Iloilo Today)

About the WIFA Program

The WIFA program is a component of the Menstrual Health Management Project of DepED which aims to address knowledge gaps and support learners on self-care and other menstruation-related problems, including anemia.

It is also included in the DOH Micronutrient Support, and Adolescent Health Development Programs. In 2010, the DOH released a revision of the policy on micronutrient supplementation to support the achievement of the MDGs and address the micronutrient needs of other population groups. From this, iron and folic acid supplementation was identified as one of the interventions to address iron deficiency anemia and folate deficiency among women of the reproductive age, including adolescents.

During its implementation, Iron-Folic acid supplements containing 60 milligrams of iron and 400 micrograms of folic acid will be administered for 12 weeks from July to September 2017, and from January to March 2018. Intermittent supplementation, which is giving the supplements weekly and in two rounds, is based on the recommendation of the World Health Organization.

Furthermore, WIFA supplements will not be given to students who were not dewormed in the past six months. Intake of the supplement has also no known adverse side effects except for some gastric discomfort, constipation, and blackening of stool. Any side effects experienced by the participants should be reported to the classroom teacher or school nurse for proper management. According to a UNICEF India post, the iron folic acid tablets should be taken with a full stomach in order to reduce potential side effects. Side effects may also occur initially as the body adjusts to the supplement. These will eventually disappear after taking the supplements regularly for a few weeks.

Although WIFA will be held in public schools, it is hoped that students in private schools and out of school youth will also be encouraged to access the supplement in their community health centers.

An Opportunity for Volunteer Youth Leaders

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines as one of the prime movers for the promotion of folic acid awareness in the country since its formation in 2009 considers the WIFA program as a relevant national program to the advocacy of the network. The program also contributes to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal target of addressing the nutritional needs of adolescent girls and other priority groups (SDG 2.2). 

The network hopes that as more youth are informed about the benefits of folic acid, and experience taking the supplement through the school-based program, there will be more youth leaders who will be knowledgeable and supportive of the advocacy. Likewise, the students will also be prepared in the future as supplementation is suggested prior to pregnancy. This is important since folate deficiency is prevalent during pregnancy.

It is also hoped that local governments and schools will also be more receptive to the advocacy following the launch of the DepED-DOH national program. In Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, a local health worker have asked the help of Volunteer Youth Leaders in supporting the WIFA particularly in promoting awareness about folic acid supplementation in order to reduce the number of potential program deferrals by influencing the public and disseminating the importance of folic acid. #

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DOH launches Weekly Iron Folic Acid Program in Central Luzon. Philippine Information Agency. http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3221499670479/doh-launches-weekly-iron-folic-acid-program-in-central-luzon

Female students to get weekly iron, folic acid boost. Iloilo Today. http://www.iloilotoday.com/2017/07/female-students-to-get-weekly-iron.html

Nation-wide Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) programme to combat Anemia among Adolescent girls and boys. UNICEF India. https://www.facebook.com/notes/unicef-india/nation-wide-weekly-iron-and-folic-acid-supplementation-wifs-programme-to-combat-/10153026459800284/

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Ryan Pascual (@rypascual) is a BS Biology major in Plant Biology graduate from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (2010) and an MS student at UP Diliman. He is a proud member of The UPLB Genetics Society where he served as Education Committee Head (2008-09) and Folic Acid Campaign Committee Head (2009-10). He is also the first National President of VYLH-Philippines (2011-12). 

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VYLH-Philippines spearheads first National Social media day for Folic acid Awareness #FolicAcidPH

CAMPAIGN REPORT

In observance of this year’s Nutrition Month and National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines together with the Institute of Human Genetics, NIH-UP Manila launched #FolicAcidPH, the first National Social Media Day for Folic Acid Awareness last July 18, 2016. 

Studies have shown that the intake of folic acid or vitamin B9 through supplements and fortified foods can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) or problems on the development of the baby’s brain and spine. NTDs comprise one of the most common group of serious birth defects which may result in immediate infant death, deformity or disability. 

Although there are efforts directed towards increasing awareness, knowledge and consumption of folic acid, the full potential of folic acid to reduce the risk of NTDs has not yet realized in most countries, including the Philippines. At present, there is also no existing legislation on folic acid fortification, supplementation, public education and promotion in the Philippines. 

The #FolicAcidPH social media campaign which aims to increase public awareness on folic acid, its sources, and its role in good health and the prevention of NTDs was able to gain the support and active participation of 49 partner organizations: 45 university-based organizations, 3 national student alliances/organizations and one non-government organization. The campaign was convened by VYLH-Philippines Former National President and Pioneer member Ryan John Pascual. 

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AMSA-WVSU SCORE conducts Folic Acid Deficiency forum

Written by Gilbert Guy D. Murillo

LA PAZ, ILOILO - The Asian Medical Students' Association – West Visayas State University (AMSA-WVSU) joined the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) - Philippines in launching the First National Social Media Day for Folic Acid Awareness last July 18, 2016. The event, dubbed as #FolicAcidPH, had a main objective to increase public awareness on folic acid and its important role in the prevention of neural tube defects through a social media campaign. 

AMSA-WVSU members and the students of WVSU College of Medicine participated in the said campaign by sharing infographics and posts from #FolicAcidPH Facebook page, joining the #FolicAcidPH Thunderclap, using #FolicAcidPH in posts and tweets, and posting photos with #FolicAcidPH campaign related fan signs and fan boards. 

AMSA-WVSU further advanced the #FolicAcidPH campaign by holding a forum last July 30, 2016, in cooperation with VYLH-Philippines Iloilo Chapter. The “#FolicAcidPH and the Youth Forum” aimed to promote folic acid deficiency prevention and awareness through the initiative and commitment of the youth. The said activity was participated by representatives from WVSU College of Communication (COC).

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Filling the Gaps on Folic acid Insufficiency: Legislation, Implementation, and Intervention

PRESS RELEASE

NAST-DOST*

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) gathered stakeholders from the health and nutrition sector, representatives from the legislative body and other concerned government agencies, the academe, the private sector, and the pharmaceutical industry on June 28 at Hotel Jen Manila for a Science Legislative Forum (SLF) on Folic Acid. 

Resource persons, speakers and guests of the SLF on Folic Acid. (Photo: NAST-PHL @NASTPHL)

The objectives of the SLF were to review the global and Philippine burden of neural tube defects; review the burden of folic acid deficiency and insufficiency in the Philippines; review evidence for, impacts of, and safety of increasing folic acid intake; review experiences in increasing folic acid intake globally and in the Philippines; to orient the various stakeholders on the proposed legislations on folic acid supplementation and fortification; and discuss the role of government agencies, the academe, and the private sector.

The participants of the legislative forum were welcomed by Academician (Acd.) Fabian M. Dayrit, acting president of NAST PHL. One of the mandates of NAST PHL is to serve as an adviser to the government and the scientific community on policy formulation. Through the initiatives of Acd. Carmencita D. Padilla, member of the Health Sciences Division (HSD) of NAST PHL and focal person of the SLF on Folic Acid, the Rare Disease Act or the Republic Act No. 10747 was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III. Its stakeholders can be traced from a successful legislative forum that captured cohesive inputs for the advocacy of the said act.

As there no are existing folic acid fortification efforts in the Philippines and supplementation efforts have achieved low coverage, there is a need to put a comprehensive policy in place not only to increase the awareness and knowledge on how folic acid can prevent NTDs but also to improve the maternal health of every Filipino mother and woman of child-bearing age; hence the conduct of a legislative forum for folic acid fortification and supplementation, Acd. Dayrit stressed.

Folate is a B-vitamin that plays a significant role in preventing birth defects particularly of the baby’s brain and spine, which are collectively known as neural tube defects (NTDs). Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that occurs in fortification and supplementation.

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VYLH-Philippines to launch #FolicAcidPH, the first National Social Media Day for Folic acid Awareness

MEDIA RELEASE

This July 18, Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) – Philippines, a national collaboration of youth leaders of youth organizations in universities and communities in the Philippines, will be launching the first National Social Media day for Folic Acid Awareness, #FolicAcidPH. The social media activity which coincides with the observance of National Nutrition Month and National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week aims to increase public awareness on the folic acid, its sources, and its role in good health and the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs).   

Studies have shown that the intake of folic acid or vitamin B9 through supplementation and food fortification can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) or problems on the development of the baby’s brain and spine. NTDs comprise one of the most common group of serious birth defects and these may result in immediate infant death, deformity or disability. Although there are efforts directed towards increasing awareness, knowledge and consumption of folic acid, the full potential of folic acid to reduce the risk of NTDs has not yet realized in most countries, including the Philippines.

In the Philippines, awareness on the significance of folic acid supplementation among Filipino women in reproductive age is presumed to be low. Furthermore, folate deficiency has been determined to exist. According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, 1 in every 5 pinays of childbearing age is folate deficient. Hence, there is a need for increasing public awareness on this matter, especially in the absence of a legislation on folic acid fortification, supplementation and public education.

In order to promote public awareness, #FolicAcidPH will utilize Facebook, Twitter and Thunderclap as its major online platforms. Suggested tweets, status messages and infographics will also be provided by the youth network. Aside from these, interested youth groups, government agencies, and non-government organizations are invited to join the cause and become a partner of the social media campaign.

Aside from the social media campaign, VYLH-Philippines will also be celebrating its 7th Founding Anniversary. It was on the night of July 18, 2009 when its pioneer batch composed of 78 volunteer youth leaders accepted the challenge of promoting folic acid awareness as one of the flagship health advocacies of the network.

For more details about #FolicAcidPH, please visit bit.ly/folicacidph or the official campaign Facebook page (fb.com/folicacidph). 

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NAST PHL holds Science Legislative Forum on Folic acid

Resource persons, speakers and guests of the SLF on Folic Acid. (Photo: NAST-PHL @NASTPHL)

MANILA, Philippines – The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST-PHL) held a Science Legislative Forum (SLF) on Folic Acid last June 28, 2016 at Hotel Jen Manila. The forum organized by the Health Sciences Division of NAST-PHL was attended by delegates from concerned government agencies, congressional health committees, local and international non-government organizations (NGOs), and the academe. 

Studies have shown that the intake of folic acid or vitamin B9 from supplements and fortified food can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) or problems on the development of the baby’s brain and spine. NTDs comprise the second most common group of serious birth defects and these may result in immediate infant death, deformity or disability. Although there are efforts directed  towards increasing awareness, knowledge and consumption of folic acid, the full potential of folic acid to reduce the risk of NTDs has not yet realized in most countries, including the Philippines.

According to Dr. Carmencita Padilla, activity focal person and NAST Academician, the SLF represents “an important day for women”.  UP Manila Chancellor Padilla also noted that women in the reproductive age needs to take the vitamin not only for good health but also for saving babies from NTDs. In the latter, women planning to get pregnant should take the vitamin at periconception or the period before becoming pregnant and during the early months of pregnancy. 

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Advancing the SDGs in the context of VYLH-Philippines Advocacies

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• With the recent end of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the global community has moved towards the adoption of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are set to be completed from 2016-2030.
• Building on the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the SDGs aim to end poverty, fight inequality, tackle climate change and protect the environment.
• VYLH-Philippines advocacies primarily respond to the Health SDG (Goal 3) particularly the prevention of newborn deaths and promotion of universal health coverage.
• In addition to this, promoting public awareness on the importance of folic acid supplementation in the prevention of neural tube defects addresses prevention of potential newborn deaths, and the nutritional needs of women in the reproductive age, at the same time.
• Meanwhile, the enactment and future implementation of the RA 10747 (Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines) will not only address the health of Filipino rare disease patients but also their inclusion to society.

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Health Promotion and Advocacy Update
Series of 2016

What are the SDGs?

The Sustainable Development Goals, also known as Global Goals, were adopted by world leaders at the UN Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September 2015. The 17 goals set for another fifteen years, 2030, aim to end poverty, fight inequality, tackle climate change and protect the environment. The SGDs are included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Moving Forward: From MDGs to SDGs

Built on the progress made by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) or the eight anti-poverty targets that the world committed to be achieved by 2015, the SDGs have a broader sustainability agenda that go beyond the MDGs. Adopted in 2000, the MDGs were targets that tackled poverty, hunger, disease, gender inequality and access to water and sanitation.

Based from a World Health Organization release, “the 17 SDGs are broader and more ambitious than the MDGs, presenting an agenda that is relevant to all people in all countries to ensure that "no one is left behind." The new agenda requires that all three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – are addressed in an integrated manner”.

VYLH-Philippines and Its Advocacies

The Volunteers Youth Leaders for Health – Philippines (VYLH-Philippines) is a national collaboration of youth leaders of youth organizations in universities and communities in the Philippines. This novel undertaking is part of an international effort to establish the March of Dimes - Global Network for Maternal and Infant Health (GNMIH) participated by youth counterparts in China and Lebanon linked by the common interest of volunteerism and public service, to improve birth outcomes worldwide through advocacy.

Since its inception in July 2009, the leaders of the VYLH network have been conducting advocacy and promotional work in their respective schools and communities focusing on the following health concerns:

• Increasing awareness among women in their reproductive age on the significance of folic acid supplementation in the prevention of birth defects;
• Increasing public awareness in saving babies from mental retardation and death through newborn screening; and
• Lobbying public support for the urgent passage of the Rare Disease Act, an act addressing the needs of patients with rare, orphan disorders.

Causes of 2.761 M deaths during the
neonatal period, worldwide (2013/WHO)

In 2015, promoting prematurity awareness was placed as an advocacy for consideration of the network. According to the WHO, prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 worldwide. In social media, materials and infographics on global and national statistics on premature births, complications and risk factors were posted and shared in time for World Prematurity Day (November 17). One of the points highlighted in the campaign is the importance of awareness in the prevention of preterm births.

Furthermore, the network has also played an active role in promoting the concern on birth defects - awareness, prevention, care and research, as it participated as an international partner of World Birth Defects Day (March 3) this 2016.

Both birth defects and preterm births contribute to more than 40 percent of neonatal deaths in  2013(WHO). The two are also within the scope of the goals and programs of GNMIH.

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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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Legislation for mandatory folic acid fortification discussed in DOST Forum

REPOST
DOST S&T Media Service

VYLH-Philippines and GeneSoc members join the delegates
of the NAST RTD on Folic Acid
Photo: NAST-DOST

Foods and ingredients fortified with folic acid such as rice and flour will easily find their way in stores and supermarket shelves once legislation is in place. This will provide more Filipina consumers with more amounts of a nutrient proven to help prevent the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in their future children.

At a recent Roundtable Discussion on Folic Acid organized by the Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST), Food Fortification Initiative’s Executive Officer for Asia Dr. Karen Codling stressed the necessity of mandatory legislation to create an impact on public health.

“Eighty-one countries currently have mandatory legislation for the fortification of wheat flour,” Codling revealed. “All but five of these require fortification with folic acid. The Philippines is one of the five countries with mandatory fortification of wheat flour that does not include folic acid.”  

In the same discussion, NAST Academician and UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla shared that the Institute of Human Genetics of the National Institutes of Health is proposing a legislation to establish a comprehensive policy on achieving adequate folic acid intake via food fortification and supplementation. This proposed bill, said Padilla, will hopefully be submitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives by August 2015.

“We want to ensure that there is adequate supply of folic acid fortified food and food products and folic acid tablets at an affordable price,” Padilla stated.

Read the full article

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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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Give your baby a GREAT start!

Infographic on healthy choices for expectant mothers from the March of Dimes.

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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 Programs recognized as Outstanding Health Awareness Project

Written by Robin Charles O. Ramos

VYLH-Philippines Mindanao, K4

The Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is an annual international gathering of young volunteers spearheaded by Youth Service America (YSA). The event is conducted every April and is celebrated in more than 135 countries. It is dedicated to children and the youth and is claimed to be the largest service event in the world, since its establishment in 1988. For four years now, the Voice of the Youth Network (VOTY) is the chosen campaign partner in the Philippines.

In celebration of this year’s GYSD, the VOTY Network launched its first ever youth-led award giving body― the VOTY Awards. The citation is created to recognize deserving young individuals and youth-led and youth-serving organizations in the country that provide positive social change and share the same passion in serving the Filipino youth.

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines (VYLH-Philippines) is a recipient of one of the prestigious awards given during the VOTY Network Kabataan Night 4: The Youth Revolution. This is a trademark activity where over 300 youth and youth organizations showcased their talents through literary-musical variety shows and various performing arts. It was held on May 4, 2014 at Mabuhay Restop, Rizal Park, Manila City. The three health advocacies of VYLH-Philippines are applauded by the VOTY Network as one of the Outstanding Health Awareness Projects of the year.

VYLH-Philippines' Programs recognized as one of the
Outstanding Health Awareness Projects of the Year

VYLH-Philippines is a network of more than 100 youth organizations in universities and communities nationwide. The main goal of the organization is to create a network of youth leaders and youth organizations in schools and communities in the Philippines who will champion in increasing public awareness on existing health programs, and on the significance of healthy lifestyle at an early age. 

The Network engages in three flagship advocacies namely: increasing awareness among women in their reproductive age on the significance of folic acid supplementation in the prevention of birth defects; increasing public awareness in saving babies from mental retardation and death through newborn screening; and lobbying public support for the urgent passage of the Rare Disease Act - an act addressing the needs of patients with rare orphan disorders.

The recognition received by the VYLH-Philippines is an inspiration in fostering strong partnerships with other youth-led and youth-serving organizations, as well as, advancing its advocacy to train young leaders, empowering them for health and improving birth outcomes through advocacy. This achievement is also joined by the recently concluded youth leaders’ orientations in CAR, NCR, Southern Tagalog and Central Visayas. 

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Robin Charles Ramos is a Master in  Business Administration graduate of the Cor Jesu College  in Digos City, Davao del Sur. He is also an alumnus of  South Philippine  Adventist College where he completed his degree in Business Administration. Robin  became affiliated to the network during the 2010 Mindanao Island-wide Youth Camp.

Photo Credit: Romer Guerbo
Editor: Christine Queribin, Ryan Pascual

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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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