Para Sa Mga Frontliner - Isang Tulang Papugay

PARA SA MGA FRONTLINER

Tulang Papugay

katha ni Junaif Ampatua

Kulang ang salitang "salamat"

bilang papugay sa lahat ng inyong hirap.

Itong sakunang nangyari'y di inaasahan

ngunit sa inyo kami ngayon ay nakapasan.

Ilang buhay man ang nanganib,

ilang buhay din ang inyong nasagip,

Ilang buhay man ang sa inyo'y nasawi,

Sa amin kayo'y mananatiting bayani!

Alam naming di ito ang dapat --

na hantungan at katapusan nating lahat,

kaya naman lubos ang paghanga

at paggalang namin sa inyo --

aming mga makabagong mandirigma!

Inyong baunin sa laban, aming mga panalangin,

pati na ang pag-asang, lahat ay aayos din.

Sinubok na tayo noon at dati pa,

ngunit walang makakatinag

sa pusong Maharlika.

Dugo ng mga bayani sa ugat nati'y nanalaytay,

likas na sa atin ang pagiging matibay!

Para sa mga taong nasa unahan,

Padayon! Kasama kami sa inyong laban!

Batid namin lahat ang inyong sakripisyo,

Mabuhay ang dugong Filipino --

Aming Frontliners,
Mabuhay kayo!

________________

Junaif Ampatua LPT (Batch Kalilintad, 2017) is an ALS Mobile Teacher at Schools Division of Calapan City. He took up BSEd-English at St. Anthony College Calapan City Inc.. At present, he is studying MAEd major in English Literature at Divine Word College of Calapan. In 2019, Junaif became part of a team that pioneered a health facility project for the IP Community of Baras, Oriental Mindoro. Their project Project K4Baras (Kalinga, Karunungan, Kalinisan, at Kaligtasan para sa Baras) became the recipient of Bayanihan para sa Kalusugan Award and recognized as the YSEALI Most Innovative Project during the culmination of Ideas Positive Run 9.

Featured Image: "The Frontliners" 

Original digital artwork by Daje Pinpiño 

Used with permission from the artist

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VYLH Central Luzon spearheads "Prick or Treat"

ANGELES CITY - Truly, the scariest thing for parents is not knowing if their child has a heritable disorder that may cost him his entire future. The first “treat” they can give their child is to have them screened through Expanded Newborn Screening in order to diagnose congenital metabolic disorders that may cause mental retardation or early death, if left untreated.

For this reason, VYLH-Philippines Central Luzon started a social media information dissemination campaign during Halloween in order to inform parents of the importance of Expanded Newborn Screening. The volunteers, headed by Dr. Ron Allan Cardona Quimado, changed their social media profile pictures using the Prick or Treat frame designed by Patrice Gayle Lumbang, a VYLH and a student nurse from Tarlac State University.

The volunteers also urged their friends, families and colleagues to do the same in order to expand the scope of the information campaign.# 

__________________

Author Nikki D. Dela Cruz, RN (NSC-CL)

Editor RPascual

Nikki is a registered nurse and Project Development Officer at the Newborn Screening Center - Central Luzon. An alumna of Angeles University Foundation, she joined NSC-CL in 2013.   

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DOH-RO3, VYLH hold Central Luzon Regional Camp anew

To be a volunteer, one does not necessarily need to have so much time in their hands and excessive resources. One only needs to have a heart full of compassion and a helping hand that is unselfishly caring for others.

Students and faculty members from different universities, and nurses under the Nurse Deployment Project from the different provinces of Central Luzon accepted the challenge of becoming part of Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines (VYLH-Philippines) during the three-day camp held last October 26-28, 2018 at the La Vista Inland Resort in Balanga Bataan. The regional camp was organized by the Department of Health Regional Office of Central Luzon (DOH-RO 3), Newborn Screening Center Central Luzon (NSC-CL) and Institute of Human Genetics – NIH, UP Manila. 

The camp was the third leg for the VYLH-Philippines Batch Hayaw and the second regional camp held in Central Luzon (Region 3). The first VYLH camp in the region was held last October 2016 and produced volunteers under Batch Kabilin. Active volunteers from the first camp joined youth volunteers from VYLH-Philippines CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) and NCR-SL (National Capital Region and South Luzon) in facilitating the camp. 

The first two days of the event were comprised of a series of lectures, team building activities and interactive workshops which greatly helped the volunteers prepare themselves for the challenges that they may face in the future when promoting the advocacies of the organization. Sharing of best practices of volunteers from senior batches in different levels (university, community, hospital-based) and different provinces was done in order to inspire the new generation of VYLs to maximize their abilities in the pursuit of widening the scope of people informed about the organization’s advocacies and their importance.

The campers also showcased their talents and wit during the talent expo and Mr. and Ms. Hayaw. Before the end of the second night, the participants swore their commitment to uphold the objectives of the organization and lit their candles of commitment.

On the last day of the camp, provincial representatives composed of one NDP and one student per province were selected. The very energetic and enthusiastic Dr. Ron Allan Quimado, MPM was chosen to be the regional adviser of Central Luzon. Dr. Quimado was the former Doctor-to-the-Barrio and Municipal Health Officer of Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija where the first community-based VYLH organization, K4Health, was formed. The volunteers also showed their fellow campers the richness of each province’s culture by presenting a song/dance number unique to their community.

Towards the end of the activity, the participants learned that though they have small individual voices, together they can create buzz online and on-the-ground, and help our future generations reach their maximum potential by advocating for expanded newborn screening, informing adolescents  and Filipinos in the reproductive age about preconception health and the importance of folic acid supplementation, and showing support and care for those born with rare disorders.

Those from the senior batches warmly welcomed the new volunteers of Batch Hayaw to the continuously expanding VYLH family. Hayaw is a Visayan term for rise or emerge. The new volunteers, like their predecessors, are expected to be the new age "superheroes" destined to help save Filipino babies from mental retardation and early death.#
__________________

Author Nikki D. Dela Cruz, RN (NSC-CL)
Editor RPascual

Nikki is a registered nurse and Project Development Officer at the Newborn Screening Center - Central Luzon. An alumna of Angeles University Foundation, she joined NSC-CL in 2013.   

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DOH-CAR holds First VYLH Summit for the Cordilleras

2018 marks the ninth year of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)–Philippines, a national network of youth leaders from various organizations in universities and communities in the Philippines. VYLH has been organizing camps since 2009 and has given valuable experience and knowledge in health advocacy to youth leaders. In celebration of this milestone, the DOH-CAR, under the Child Adolescent Health Development Cluster headed by Dr. Virginia L. Narciso, conducted the first Regional VYLH Summit at Maharajah Hotel, Angeles City, Pampanga on June 7-8, 2018.

Attended by 86 participants, including youth leaders, faculty members, and health personnel, the two-day activity aimed to raise awareness of the youth on the different measures to prevent birth defects, mental retardation, and death among infants and children. 

The activities started on the night of June 6 with the introduction of participants and facilitators and with a talent expo. Next day, Dr. Narciso discussed the health situation in the Philippines, programs of the DOH, and updates on various health issues including ENBS at the national and local levels. Dr. Maria Melanie Liberty B. Alcausin talked about ENBS, and Dr. Bernadette Halili-Mendoza, Unit Head of NSC–Central Luzon (NSC-CL), discussed the Rare Disease Act.

Dr. Virginia Narciso (Right) and Dr. Bernadette Halili-Mendoza (Left) Photo: NDelaCruz

For its part, VYLH-Philippines facilitated lectures on birth defects, preconception, health and teenage pregnancy, volunteerism and leadership for health, and folic acid facts. The summit also featured teambuilding activities and the VYLH Rites. The participants enjoyed “The Amazing Race,” which helped them learn more about themselves and realize the importance of teamwork in performing their roles and functions as VYLH members.

On the last night of the program, summit-goers participated in the Cultural Dance Competition, where Ifugao Province bagged the first prize, the University of the Cordilleras got second, and the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology, third.#

Written by Elaine Kia Rosario

Originally Published in Newborn Screening* (May-June 2018)

*Newborn Screening is the Official Bimonthly Publication of the Newborn Screening Reference Center, National Institutes of Health - UP Manila (newbornscreening.ph)

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DOH-NCRO Conducts Reunion of Saved Babies

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa newborn screening dahil nakita agad ang kalagayan ng mga bata maaga pa lang,” shared a parent of patients with Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) during the Reunion of Saved Babies conducted by the Department of Health–National Capital Regional Offi ce (DOH-NCRO) at Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern, San Juan City, on July 27, 2018.

In collaboration with the Newborn Screening Center–National Institutes of Health (NSC-NIH), the event gathered together children aged 3 to 5 years accompanied by their parents and guardians along with program partners and stakeholders. Dr. Anna Lea G. Elizaga, Unit Head of NSC-NIH, gave a short talk on Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS) to help the parents understand more about the additional disorders included in the panel and the benefits of early screening. Meanwhile, Mikko Myron De Guzman, Follow-Up Nurse at the Philippine General Hospital Continuity Clinic, discussed the importance of longterm follow-up care.

The video of the 20th year of Newborn Screening Program was also presented, which featured testimonials from families and children saved through newborn screening. Parents and guardians were also able to express their gratitude to the program implementers and other families present.

Children, on the otherhand, were treated to a magic show and face painting activities. Some members of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines also led several games.#

Written by Ms. Claire Alincastre (DOH-NCR Regional Office)

Originally published in Newborn Screening Vol. 22 No. 4 

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DOH-RO CAR develops NBS Flipchart

To develop a communication tool promoting ENBS (Expanded Newborn Sceeening) to women of reproductive age and other stakeholders in the communities, the DOH-RO CAR conducted a workshop that would create an NBS flipchart at the Regional Training Center, DOH Regional Office (DOH RO) CAR Office, Baguio City on November 21-22, 2017. Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines (VYLH) members from different schools and representatives from professional health organizations, Newborn Screning Center - Central Luzon (NSC-CL), and the Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC-NIH, UP Manila) also took part in the workshop.

Workshop attendees worked in teams to discuss the content and design of the flipchart. Finally, the participants agreed to use illustrations and infographics, which would be easier for the target audience to understand. They also drafted recommended texts that will serve as guide for lecturers and recommended a training program so that both health workers and users will be able to hold effective sessions in Ilocano or any language the audience is most familiar with.The flipchart will cover frequently asked questions on ENBS and a few issues that influence women’s access to the program. The launch of the NBS flipchart is set in the middle of the

year.

Seated from left to right: Lilia Dado, IMAP Regional President, Baguio Chapter; Florenz Nastor, LTFU Nurse, CAR; Dr. Virginia Narciso, CAHDC Cluster Head; Vina Mendoza, PDO IV, NSRC; Don Santos, Nurse III, NSCCL; and Kia Rosario, Regional NBS Nurse Coordinator. 

Standing from left to right: Jeminah Blanco, VYLH-Abra; Florita Sacgaca, Clinical Instructor; XiJEN - Mt. Province; Jun Palomares, VYLH-Abra; Brenda Satur, Regional President, PLGPMI; Jomar Durdal, VYLH-Kalinga Chairman; Glenda Palomado, VYLH-Kalinga; and Jocelyn Paltiyan, VYLH-Benguet.

Originally published in Newborn Screening 

The bimonthly publication of NSRC-NIH, UP Manila

November - December 2017 Issue 

Written by Dr. Virginia Narciso

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Palauig SHS students join VYLH-Philippines thru K4Health

PALAUIG, ZAMBALES - The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines conducted its third implementation of K4Health (Kabataan for Health) at Rofulo M. Landa High School in Palauig, Zambales from July 28-30.

The three-day training camp was done in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Palauig, Zambales. It was organized to mobilize the youth to be advocates for a healthier Philippines. After the training, the new volunteers will be under the supervision of the local health office. 

The event facilitated by eight members of The UPLB Genetics Society was participated by 26 senior high school students from two different schools namely: Locloc National High School and Rofulo M. Landa High School. They were also joined by their Supreme Student Government advisers and teachers.

Palauig DTTB Dr. Trisha Torga

The Palauig installment of K4Health differs from the previous implementations in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija (2016) and Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (2017) with the inclusion of non-communicable disease prevention and teenage pregnancy prevention among the advocacies to be promoted by the student volunteers. These advocacies were suggested by Rural Health Physician and Doctor-to-the-Barrio (DTTB) Dr. Trisha Torga in consideration of the health statistics of the municipality. 

With these in mind, lectures on community health and development, teenage pregnancy, non-communicable diseases and volunteerism were given on the first day. Furthermore, lectures about preconception health and VYLH-Philippines advocacies namely folic acid awareness and newborn screening were taught on the second day. Through a role playing activity, groups were also tasked to show the possible real-life scenarios related to the advocacies supported by K4Health.

The newly inducted facis and youth volunteers were added to the roster of members under VYLH-Philippines Batch Kalilintad, the Maranao term meaning ‘peace’. 

On the last day of the training camp, an advocacy demonstration and slogan presentation of their assigned topic was done by each group as an evaluation of their knowledge and their ability on imparting these knowledge to others. Constructive criticism and review of their performance was also provided for each group presentation. Afterwards, the elections of officers of VYLH-Philippines K4Health Palauig was done with Rhenelyn Escoball of Locloc National High School elected as the President.

Some parents were also invited during the program and they were introduced to the network's advocacies through a small group discussion. Dr. Trisha Torga shared the services of the Municipal Health Offices.

The program ended with a closing remarks from The UPLB Genetics Society’s VYLH-Philippines Committee Head Mr. Joshua Hernandez saying, “Alam kong hindi niyo masasaulo in three days lahat ng tinuro namin. Ang gusto kong matutunan niyo yung sa tingin niyo naimpart namin yung advocacies at halaga nito yung kahit in your own words kaya niyong i-explain sa kapwa kabataan niyo.” (I know that you would not be able to remember within those three days everything that we have thought. But what I want all of you to learn are the advocacies at their essence which you can explain to other youths when put in your own words).

GeneSoc's VYLH-Philippines Committee Head
Joshua Hernandez

________________

Written by Andrea Kariza Formantes (Batch Kabilin)
The UPLB Genetics Society

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VYLH, GeneSoc and Calapan City LGU empower the youth thru K4Health

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO - The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health - Philippines (VYLH-Philippines) and The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) expanded the reach of the K4Health (Kabataan for Health) Community Youth Training Program in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro last July 1-2, 2017. 

K4Health (Kabataan for Health) is a project initiated by the VYLH-Philippines and GeneSoc which promotes the mobilization of the youth towards the promotion of newborn screening, folic acid awareness, and birth defects prevention. The four “Ks” stands for “Kabataang Kabalikat ng Komunidad para sa Kalusugan,” emphasizing the role of the youth in effecting change in our community.

Following the program's launch and the implementation of the project in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija, GeneSoc in partnership with VYLH- Philippines, the City Government of Calapan (LGU Calapan), and Calapan City Health and Sanitation Department (CHSD) conducted the second K4Health Community Youth Training Program. The main objective of the K4Health Program is the formation of a community-based volunteer youth leader organization that will promote public awareness on various health concerns supported by the network and the LGU.

For the second edition of K4Health, 30 volunteer youth leaders (VYLs) were inducted - 26 Calapan City youth leaders and four GeneSoc volunteers. The four GeneSoc volunteers were Rozel Razal, Joana Marie Cruz, Sean Timothy Gacutan and Emil Louise Santos. Also on the list is Leann Suiton who was also part of the K4Health-Nampicuan team and was inducted last year. 

Volunteerism and Leadership. These are the 26 VYLs from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro who are now part of VYLH-Philippines (Batch Kalilintad). 

Similar to K4Health-Nampicuan, lectures on community development, youth leadership and volunteerism, local health situation and health advocacies were given by GeneSoc facilitators and invited lecturers. Discussions for the first day of training focused on the different advocacies of VYLH-Philippines while the second day focused on deepening the participants' understanding of the advocacies. 

Aside from discussing the main advocacies of VYLH-Philippines (newborn screening, folic acid, and rare disease), a lecture on adolescent health sexuality awareness for teenage pregnancy prevention was given during the training program due to the alarming rates of teenage pregnancy in the city. In 2015 and 2016, 459 and 462 cases were recorded, respectively.

Meanwhile, one of the City Health nurses raised the potential challenges in the implementation of the DOH-DepEd Weekly Iron-Folic acid (WIFA) Supplementation Program in Calapan City. One of which is the need for waiver forms before they can give the vitamin supplement to high school students. The waiver and potential deferrals, according to her, will be a challenge in obtaining 100% coverage. Nonetheless, she hopes to receive help from youth volunteers to influence and disseminate the importance of taking folic acid. 

Other activities were also facilitated such as hands-on activities, teaching demonstration and problem tree analysis which were designed to deepen and integrate the knowledge of the youth volunteers on three topics: folic acid, newborn screening, and teenage pregnancy.

Be involved. (1) Prof. Jickerson Lado giving his lecture on Participatory Training Framework and Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC) (2) VYLs preparing for their Problem Tree presentation (3) One of the VYLs presenting their output on problem tree analysis

The induction of the 30 new members to VYLH-Philippines and the election of VYLH-Philippines Calapan City Chapter officers culminated the two-day training program. The new set of volunteers were inducted as part of  VYLH Batch Kalilintad, the Maranao word for peace.

Advocacy in Action. The newly elected officers of VYLH-Calapan headed by Ms. Karizza Abacan. Also in the photo,
City Health Officer Dr. Basilisa Llanto (far left) and Dr. Ma. Teresita Bolor (far right)

As part of the K4Health Partnership Framework, VYLH-Philippines Calapan City will be under the direct supervision of City Health Officer Dr. Basilisa Llanto and Population Officer (designate) Dr. Ma. Teresita Bolor of the City Health and Sanitation Department. 

The K4Health program was sponsored by the City Health and Sanitation Department of Calapan, Rotary Club of Downtown Calapan, Rotary Club of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro Medical Society and alumni members of The UPLB Genetics Society.

The program was also supported by the Newborn Screening Center - NIH, UP Manila, Institute of Human Genetics - NIH, UP Manila, Provincial Health Office - Oriental Mindoro,  and Population Commission - MIMAROPA through the provision of resource speakers and campaign materials. 

The training program is the first K4Health and VYLH-Philippines youth camp in MIMAROPA.

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The K4Health project, through GeneSoc, was recognized as one of the 20 National Finalists in the 14th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) or TAYO Awards.

Written by Joana Cruz (Kalilintad), with modifications
First published in GENEWS
Official Publication of The UPLB Genetics Society

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DOH-NCR, NSC-NIH and VYLH hold Reunion of Saved Babies in San Juan City

SAN JUAN CITY - The Department of Health–National Capital Region Office, in partnership with the Newborn Screening Center–National Institutes of Health, gathered patients found positive in one of the disorders being screened for a reunion at the Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern, San Juan City, on November 26, 2016. 

The activity was attended by patients and parents of confirmed cases of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Galactosemia, and Phenylketonuria. This year’s reunion focused on social interaction among participants with various games, music, charades, puzzles, and other fun activities.

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health–South Luzon Cluster volunteers, led by Aster Lynn Sur and Rufus Adducul, joined in and facilitated the break-out sessions. Also, Dr. Anna Lea Elizaga gave a lecture to the parents on expanded newborn screening. NVictorio

Written by Norrice Victorio

Published in Newborn Screening, the official newsletter
of the Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC)
November-December 2016 Issue

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VYLH-Philippines holds Central Luzon Youth Camp in Clark

CLARK, PAMPANGA - To strengthen volunteerism and expand the network of youth leaders who help increase public awareness on newborn screening (NBS) and other health issues, the Department of Health–Regional Office (DOH-RO) 3, in collaboration with the Newborn Screening Center–Central Luzon (NSC-CL), organized a camp for the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) titled “Kabilin: Revolutionizing Health Promotion through Youth Participation” at the Stotsenberg Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, on October 13-14, 2016.

Student leaders from different universities and members of the Nurse Deployment Program (NDP) in Central Luzon were invited to participate and were introduced to VYLH and its advocacies. Afterward, the participants worked in groups for the leadership training and team building activities. During the socials night, cultural presentations were performed by the different groups. 

On the second day, regional officers were elected. Provincial VYLH coordinators and assistant coordinators were elected as follows: Al Francis Yapes for Aurora, Jenalyn Baluyot for Bataan, Mark Anthony Tapispisan for Bulacan, Ella Lavina Domingo for Nueva Ecija, Edison Obsena for Olongapo City (Zambales), Aileen Magcalas for Pampanga, and Elvin Plantilla for Tarlac. 

Invited speakers include DOH-RO 3 NBS Coordinator Madeline Gayle Tayag who presented the current health situation of the country, DOH programs, and updates on NBS in the region, and NSC-CL Unit Head Dr. Marie Adrianne Salunga who discussed the Expanded Newborn Screening program.

As culminating activity, the participants devised plans to promote the advocacies of the organization. The plans were presented to a panel of reactors from NSC-CL and DOH-RO 3 for critique and recommendations. The program ended with a symbolic imprinting of hand marks to indicate their full commitment to the VYLH network. 

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Written by Nikki Dela Cruz
Published in Newborn Screening
The Official Newsletter of the Newborn Screening Reference Center

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VYLH-Philippines, UNILAB Foundation hold iStorya for NCR youth

MANILA – Last October 15, 2016, UNILAB Foundation together with Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines hosted the National Capital Region-leg of ISTORYA: Stories of Youth in Action at the National Institutes of Health Conference Room, UP Manila. The event open to youth age 18-30 years old was participated by students and representatives of organizations from UP Manila and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). Representatives of various College-Y Clubs also attended the event as part of the YMCA-Manila delegation.

iStorya-NCR Parctipants sport the "Istorya Pose" together with the organizing team from
VYLH-Philippines and Ideas Positive. (Photo: Ideas Positive/UNILAB Foundation)

As envisioned by the UNILAB Foundation, iStorya is a platform and youth-led conversation where Filipino youth leaders can come together and exchange innovative ideas on how to solve different public health issue in their community. 

The said activity also aims to increase participation to Ideas Positive, a nationwide youth program of the same foundation that enables youth leaders to implement their ideas in their selected community. In the contest, teams with the best ideas will undergo mentoring at the Ideas Positive Boot Camp and receive up to 100,000 pesos seed money for their projects. 

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Redefining Gene-by-Environment Interaction

Insights of a “Gene” on the Implementation of K4Health

by Rochelle Sarmiento (Kabilin, NCR-SL)

Almost always in every Genetics-related lecture I have so far tried to comprehend, and, seemingly, fortunate to have understood, my professors would emphasize that the very traits being expressed by any organism are a product of the interplay of various genetic and environmental factors. In several instances, they would tell— one hand holding the microphone, a leg stancing forward, and eyes looking towards the sea of fascinated and uninterested students alike— that as an individual ages, the environment he is predisposed to would hugely play a role on what makes him basically him.

Such notion is a widely accepted and acknowledged pillar of the concepts in Genetics. And when conceptually applied to matters of prime and social relevance, it would also pose an equally worth noting idea: that our perspectives on certain issues in the society may be influenced by the surroundings we find ourselves in and the people we have the opportunity to interact with.

The Program

Take as an example the conduct of the K4Health Community Youth Training Program. True to the meaning of K4, Kabataang Kabalikat ng Komunidad para sa Kalusugan, the primary aim of the said activity is to spark active participation among the youth towards sustainable improvement of the health of the people.

Having made its pilot and second implementations at the Municipality of Nampicuan in Nueva Ecija last June 7 to 9 and August 27 to 28, respectively, the program has been able to produce 27 volunteer youth leaders (VYLs) who are trained to be on the forefront of raising awareness on the importance of folic acid supplementation and newborn screening in their community.

Barangay Service Point Ofiicers (BSPO), GeneSoc facilitators, and youth volunteers of Nampicuan assemble for a photo opportunity after the special portion of the training program intended for BSPOs (Photo: GeneSoc)

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LGU, DOH Region III gear up Nampicuan youth for community health promotion

NAMPICUAN, NUEVA ECIJA – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Municipality of Nampicuan through its Municipal Health Officer (MHO), Dr. Ron Allan Quimado in cooperation with The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) and Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) – Philippines established a community-based youth organization in a three-day training camp held last June 7-9, 2016.

A total of 16 youth participants joined the K4Health training program sponsored by the Department of Health –Central Luzon Regional Office (DOH Regional Office III), Newborn Screening Center – Central Luzon (NSC-CL), Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) – NIH, UP Manila, and alumni members of GeneSoc. Preparatory training activities for facilitators were also made possible through UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungod and VYLH-Philippines.

Barangay Service Point Ofiicers (BSPO), GeneSoc facilitators, and youth volunteers of Nampicuan assemble for a photo opportunity after the special portion of the training program intended for BSPOs (Photo: GeneSoc)

The program title, K4Health (Kabataan for Health), strongly underscores the role of the youth in nation-building and their mobilization towards health promotion. The four “Ks” also mean “Kabataang Kabalikat ng Komunidad para sa Kalusugan” highlighting the need for the youth to effect change in their community.

The training program, which is actually a pioneering joint project of VYLH-Philippines and GeneSoc in establishing a community-based VYLH Chapter, aimed to organize and mobilize the youth of Nampicuan towards birth defects prevention and newborn screening promotion.

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GeneSoc, VYLH spearhead three-day Community Youth Training Program in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija

K4 Health Community Youth Training Program completers.
Photo: The UPLB Genetics Society

Compiled by Ryan Pascual (Pioneer)

Standing firm on its commitment to promoting health-related advocacies, The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) spearheaded the engagement of Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines with the community youth in a pilot project called K4Health Community Youth Training Program last June 7-9 in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija.

Rooted to the meaning of K4, "Kabataan Kabalikat ng Komunidad para sa Kalusugan,” the said training program led to the organization and establishment of a community-based VYLH core group in the host local government unit under the direct supervision of the Local Government Unit's (LGU) Health Officer.

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Pangasinan Students get acquainted with NBS

Public and private colleges and universities in Pangasinan participated in the orientation and seminar on newborn screening (NBS) conducted by the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines at the Nenas Garden Bed and Breakfast, Bonuan, Pangasinan, on March 18, 2016.

Dr. Florencio Dizon, Newborn Screening Center–Central Luzon (NSC-CL) Unit Head, welcomed the some 45 students and department heads from University of Luzon, Lyceum Northwestern University, University of Pangasinan, Pangasinan State University, Colegio de Dagupan, and Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation.

VYLH North and Central Luzon Cluster Representatives, Regional NBS Coordinators, and NBS Continuity Clinic staff facilitated the programs, which included orientation on VYLH, folic acid
supplementation, NBS panel of disorders , Rare Disease Act of the Philippines, and the Expanded
Newborn Screening. ADoctolero

Originally published on the March-April 2016 Issue

Newborn Screening, the Official Newsletter of the
Newborn Screening Reference Center

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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 celebrates 6th Founding Anniversary, launches “Dubsmash-for-a-Cause”

Last July 13-18, Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines celebrated its 6th Founding Anniversary. The network held various social media activities: "Heart of a Volunteer Monday", "Advocacy Tuesday", "Jumpshot Wednesday", Dubsmash Thursday", "Fansign Friday" and "Skype Dinner Saturday". The Skype “Pasasalamat” Dinner is an annual dinner-celebration held in key cities such Manila, Cebu and Davao which are connected through Skype. 

#DubsmashForACause

How to join #DubsmashForACause
(Photo: VYLH-Philippines)

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. Volunteers were invited to use the popular app Dubsmash and post their videos through their social media accounts with the hashtags #DubsmashThursday, #DubsmashForACause and #TatakVYLH.

Since 2009, VYLH-Philippines has used 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.

Looking Back

Founded on July 18, 2009, VYLH-Philippines is the result of the collaboration between the Institute of Human Genetics (IHG)-NIH, UP Manila, the Department of Health and The UPLB Genetics Society, a student organization from UP Los Baños. VYLH-Philippines is a network of youth leaders and youth organizations based in schools and communities throughout the country that will champion in increasing public awareness on existing health programs and on the significance of a healthy lifestyle at an early age. 

Through the years, the network has conducted national leadership congresses, regional and island-wide youth camps, and youth leader orientations. As of present, VYLH-Philippines has trained more than 500 volunteer youth leaders representing more than 170 youth organizations nationwide. They conduct year-round health promotion and advocacy projects directed towards the promotion of folic acid supplementation, prematurity awareness and newborn screening. The network is also in the forefront of gathering public support for the passage of the Rare Disease Act, an act addressing the needs of Filipino rare disease patients.(RPascual)

Visit fb.com/vylhphilippines and vylhphilippines.blogspot.com for more details or follow us @vylhphilippines for updates.

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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 celebrates Fifth Founding Anniversary

Written by Aple Dowanie Tadlas

Published Newborn Screening 

July-August 2014 Issue

Anchored on the theme “VYLH High Five: Educate, Empower, Engage and Experience,” the anniversary celebration was set to encourage every VYLH member to be updated with the current trends of being a volunteer youth. Coincidentally, July was also VYLH’s Organizational Orientation Month, a time when all member organizations are requested to reorient their members about VYLH-Philippines. Orientation sessions were held during the anniversary week and all of July.

Activities during the one-week celebration were not confined to the grounds, social media activity was also launched. The VYLH anniversary celebration used the official hashtags #HighFiveVYLH and #VYLH5thAnniversary, which volunteers could use on Facebook and Twitter. Volunteers were also invited to participate in social media campaigns such as High Five! (July 14), VYLH Five-orites (July 15), and IVolunteer (July 16).

Related: #HighFive: A Primer to the VYLH-Philippines 5th Founding Anniversary Celebration

Traditional Pasasalamat. Through the aid of technology, VYLH-Philippines has annually conducted a Skype session in concurrence with a simultaneous nationwide dinner held at key locations in the country. Participanting core groups include NCR, Visayas and Mindanao. 

Street Fashion and Zumba 5inco. The streets of Davao City on July 12, 2014, were host to the Street Fashion Photo Shoot, the kick off activity of the 5th Founding Anniversary of the VYLH-Philippines in Mindanao. Organized by Mindanao young volunteers, the photo shoot showcased a collection of VYLH-Philippines apparel and other souvenir items given throughout the different conferences and congresses since 2009. The rest of the activities were slated on July 14-18.

Together with the Newborn Screening Center–Mindanao, the volunteer youth leaders spearheaded the highlight of the celebration, the Zumba 5inco for Health, a Zumba dance exercise open to all healthy lifestyle enthusiasts in Davao City. The event was held at People’s Park, Davao City, from 5:30 to 6:30 in the morning and was attended by 142 joggers, youth volunteers, and students from University of Southeastern Philippines and Mindanao University. A brief presentation about the VYLH network and its advocacies was also conducted before the program started. A free blood pressure checkup booth was also installed near the activity grounds. Free water and bananas were also given to the participants.

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#HighFive: A Primer to the VYLH-Philippines 5th Founding Anniversary Celebration

Why do we celebrate July 18? 

It was on the night of July 18, 2009 when the pioneer batch of VYLs pledged their commitment to the network, and offer their voluntary service for the alleviation of health conditions, the alleviation of the public's awareness on the flagship advocacies of the network, and the mobilization of the Filipino youth for health.

On that night, VYLH-Philippines was born. 

Read more about the VYLH-Philippines story in our website.


Planned Activities #HighFive

National 

• Pasasalamat (The VYLH 2014 Skype-Dinner). A  simultaneous nationwide dinner held at key locations in the country. The Skype session will be held at 6:00 PM. 

• Organizational Orientation Month. All member organizations are requested to orient their members about VYLH-Philippines. Orientation sessions are suggested to be held during the Anniversary week and the succeeding days of July. Orientation materials (PowerPoint presentations and printed materials) are available by request.

Social Media (Week-long)

• Official Hashtags:  #HighFiveVYLH #VYLH5thAnniversary
• Tag our official social media accounts in Facebook and Twitter (@vylhphilippines)
  

• July 14 High Five! Prepare a fansign with “Happy High Five VYLH!” Invite 2 or more co-volunteers, friends, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, even strangers to have a groupie shot, holding your fansign. Make it as fun as you want it to be. Upload your photo on your Facebook Page, Twitter & Instagram accounts and include the official hashtags #HighFiveVYLH #VYLH5thAnniversary #VYLHFansignGroupie Don’t forget to tag the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Philippines Fan Page.

• July 15 VYLH Five-orites. What’s your favorite? Pick five (songs, music videos, news articles, photos) that remind you of your most memorable VYLH experiences. Share a short description for each pick. Post them on your fb wall and tag the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Philippines Fan Page. Use hashtags #HighFiveVYLH #VYLH5thAnniversary #VYLHFiveorites

• July 16 IVolunteer. Show some love! Upload a 5-10sec personal video sharing your biggest “why” in volunteering. Start your line with “I volunteer because __,” and end it with a greeting “Happy 5th Anniversary, VYLH!” Post your videos in social media sites using official hashtags #HighFiveVYLH #VYLH5thAnniversary #IVolunteerVYLH Also, tag the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Philippines Fan Page.

• July 17&18 Let’s go back to the beginning! Upload a photo(s) of your most memorable moment(s) throughout your VYLH journey. Post them in your fb wall, IG and Twitter and tag the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Philippines Fan Page. Don’t forget to use the anniversary hashtags #HighFiveVYLH #VYLH5thAnniversary #UltimateVYLHThrowbackThursday and #UltimateVYLHFlashbackFriday

Launch of the Online Petition for a Rare Disease Act of the Philippines

Since it's inception in 2009, VYLH-Philippines has been conducting activities designed to increase the public's awareness on the plight and fight of Filipino with orphan or rare disorders. These 

Persons (mostly children) afflicted with a rare genetic disease are "orphaned" by society. They suffer from social abandonment because of lack of existing network of support to aid them. Medical help is elusive under the conditions of the country's health priority. Because the nature of rare disease (otherwise known as orphan disorders) are long standing, life threatening, progressive and require multidisciplinary care, essential treatment and supportive care likewise require lifelong administration.

Persons born with and afflicted with rare or orphan disorders are a vulnerable and special population. Despite the small population, like any other Filipino citizen, they too have an equal right to life and and equal right to access health support.

The law will put in place a permanent and sustainable mechanism by which the State shall institutionalize a system that is comprehensive, integrative and sustainable, and will facilitate the collaboration of various stakeholders towards the provision of early and sustainable care of every person afflicted with rare or orphan disorders. 

SIGN NOW. Click this link to visit the Online Petition Site.

Activities for VYLH-Philippines members and member organization:

NCR-South Luzon

• VYLH-Philippines Orientation at De La Salle Lipa. About 150 students are expected to attend the said orientation. The activity was initiated by De La Salle-Lipa Biology Society which is one of the newly affiliated organizations of the network after their attendance to the VYLH-Philippines NCR- South Luzon Cluster Orientation held last May 3 (Rescheduled)
• Newborn Screening Center-NIH (NSC-NIH) Laboratory Tour
• Talk on Expanded Newborn Screening during the Anniversary Dinner celebration (Venue: TBA)

Visayas

• FlyFive. Symbolic release of balloons during the 5th Anniversary Celebration Pasasalamat Dinner.

Mindanao

• Zumba 5inco (Cinco for Wellness). A Zumba dance exercise event and invitational event for Zumba dance groups in Davao. Scheduled to be held at 5:30 in the morning, the dance exercise will be followed by a brief presentation of the network and its advocacies. A Free BP Check-up booth will also be set-up near the activity grounds. (Venue: TBA)
• Street Fashion/Passion Photoshoot of VYLH-Philippines Apparel. A collective of all VYLH-Philippines clothing and other souvenir items provided during conferences and congresses starting from 2009. 

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