7th Newborn Screening Center Opens in Mandaue City

DOH’s Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital (ECSGH) in Jagobiao, Mandaue City, Cebu, hosts the country’s 7th Newborn Screening Center (NSC), which started its operations on February 10, 2020.

MANDAUE CITY - Built in 1982, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital (ECSGH) in Jagobiao, Mandaue City, Cebu is a 500-bed government-mandated hospital that originally operated exclusively as a leprosarium. With the decline of leprosy in 1981, the hospital expanded its role and offered additional non-leprosy services like surgery, family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology. It also became a referral center for the management of complications, patient and family counseling and community education in the area. Recently, ECSGH opened the country’s 7th Newborn Screening Center (NSC), which started its operations on February 10, 2020.

Now with its new role as host of the 7th Newborn Screening Center (NSC), ECSGH joins the six other hosts and NSCs in providing accessible expanded newborn screening tests to the public. It will provide the required laboratory tests and recall/follow-up programs for newborns with heritable conditions included in the newborn screening panel as stated Republic Act 9288 or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004.

Finally, as the newest newborn screening center, NSC-Central Visayas (NSC-CV) will receive blood samples for expanded newborn screening from the 426 health facilities from provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. More than 110,000 newborns annually from the region are expected to be tested in expanded newborn screening by NSC-CV.

The NSC-CV setup was initiated in June 2019 by the then Chief of Hospital Dr. Lope Carabaña. It is now headed by its OIC - Medical Center Chief Dr. Pythagoras Zerna. The center is housed at the outpatient building of ECSGH and are manned by 15 personnel consisting of analysts, managers, follow-up nurses, administrative staff, and its unit head, Dr. Liwayway Reyes.#

MEDIA RELEASE

Newborn Screening Reference Center @newbornscreenph
National Institutes of Health - UP Manila
https://newbornscreening.ph
info@newbornscreening.ph

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Ten for Ten: 10 Things I Learned from VYLH

By Kristofer Ralph Supil (Hiraya)

VYLH recently turned 10 this year. I have been with the network for four years now, but weirdly, it feels like I’ve been with them since 2009. It’s really amazing how I saw myself on Day 1 and seeing myself now with the organization reaching its 10th year in full technicolor. I’m looking forward to many more years, to 20, to 30, and so on… with VYLH. But in this span of time I’ve been with them, I have at least learned 10 things - things I kept and will keep with me thanks to VYLH.

One

Passion and hard work are not mutually exclusive. I’ve learned over the years working with different volunteers that these two co-exist with each other. Until now, I have always been reminded to use these two consistently, one never without the other. Passion is a matchstick. Without hard work, without effort, sparks will never fly.

Two

Courage is the secret ingredient to do everything consistently. Having courage is a virtue one must practice in order to practice other virtues consistently. Most times, it’s always scary to start advocating for something people might never understand. But I’ve learned never to let yourself be ruled by these fears. Always remind yourself that there is always something good that’ll come out of your endeavors. Have faith in humanity.

Three

Talent is like DNA — not one is exactly alike. Being with different individuals every year can be very overwhelming. Being with them and seeing their set of talents can even make anxiety worse. You start to think about what you’re good at and what you can offer to the table. However, always think that talent is like DNA. You will never be as good as him or her but so will he or she. You will always be unique. You will always be you. And that’s what makes VYLH so amazing. It’s just several talents bursting with so much energy into one pot. What’s so nice about VYLH is that not once have I ever felt insecure. They’ve only pushed me to become a better version of myself.

Four

Friendship is a flexible concept. It has been said that maintaining friendship in the adult years is difficult. I’m turning 30 this year, and I’m slowly exiting the age bracket of “youth,” but I’ve come to understand that friendship is a flexible concept. And that’s okay. I might have been very close with someone the first day we met, and then we experienced a fall-out but it doesn’t mean our friendship ended there. I tell you, the moment you see each other again, you will be reminded of the several years that you had with them and it will feel as if it was just yesterday. You don’t have to be tagged in every photo. You don’t have to necessarily be in the same chatbox. You don’t have to be in the same region. You just need to understand that you have a friend wherever you may be, and whenever you will need it.

Five

Advocacy is a product of the heart. I always thought that advocacies were things honor roll students did. Young people who excel in the academics and extracurricular. I went into the organization as an average student not even familiar with the word “advocacy.” All VYLH needed was my heart and passion. Everything else followed. I grew. My heart grew. It became smarter. And I will always be indebted to VYLH for what it did to me. I will always wear my heart on my sleeve.

Six

The organization mirrors back who you truly are. Authenticity is key. It wasn’t really hard bringing out who I truly was in this organization. I was just a bit surprised meeting who I really was. Never thought I was capable in becoming who I am today. From the pessimistic, cynical person before to a hopeful, unrelenting Taylor that I am. I’ve also seen the network mold and change people. It is truly breathtaking.

Seven

You learn to be kind. Most importantly, to yourself. We can be really hard on ourselves. Setting standards. Unaccepting of our flaws and shortcomings. Always giving in to doubt. I’m grateful though that VYLH taught me, not only to be kind to others, but to be kind to myself. I’ve gone through so much with the people that they’ve given me the chance to become who I am today. Just last year, I volunteered to facilitate at the last regional camp before this year’s upcoming congress. I was surprised with the ceremony they prepared for us. I remember telling everyone that VYLH was the only group of people who told me that I was still working perfectly even when I knew I was already broken.

Eight

You learn and appreciate the value of memories. Thank God for a big phone storage capacity. I get to look back at photos and videos and unlock all the memories I need to motivate me to make more new ones with the volunteers and the organization. The value I have placed with memories is that these are actually the ones that keep us holding on.

Nine

Love is not what you think it is. I’ve fallen in love with so many people. I’ve fallen in love with their cuteness, their ambitions. But that was me before. Always associating love with the feeling of falling in love with the beautiful aspects of a person. But I’ve learned that love can come in so many forms. I have learned to love someone when they show up late for our meetings and dates. I have learned to love someone by not being bitter when they have finally decided to move on and love someone or something else. I have learned to love someone when they never give back what I give to them, and that’s more than okay. The organization has proven me that I am CAPABLE of love. That I am CAPABLE of loving even after being heartbroken.

Ten

VYLH can be any kind of home - a mansion, a duplex, a village, a small room, or a hostel. In VYLH, you will never experience being homeless. Time and time again, I have always felt lost. Even with the organization, feeling lost is not something you don’t experience especially when you’re navigating the 20s. But one thing I have never felt was feel homeless. I may have been lost and distant several times but VYLH always continued and consistently called itself my home. It would be a mansion filled with so many characters when I wanted life to look brighter. A duplex when I wanted a quaint and intimate meet-up just to talk about how I felt. A village when I needed help raising a newV (new VYLH volunteer) and teaching them the ropes of how to advocate for our advocacies. A small room if I needed to be left alone without them wanting to force themselves in. A hostel if I wanted to meet new people. VYLH was every kind of home. And it will always continue to be, I guess. I guess, I will never be homeless.#

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Kristofer Ralph Supil @TaylorKristof13 is an Intensive Care Unit nurse at Holy Child Hospital, Dumaguete City. A graduate of Silliman University, Ralph became affiliated to VYLH in 2015. He is also a former Health Leadership and Governance Program Nurse of the Department of Health Region VII. 

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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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#YouthForHealth: Why talk about RARE?

Photo: Care For Rare Dumaguete

We’ve seen it in posters in maternity clinics and hospitals. Our government has been actively campaigning to detect some of it through expanded newborn screening, but some mothers never understood the purpose of such a process. 

Rare diseases can be a silent, deadly killer because only few understood how it attacks. There are over 6,000 rare diseases that affect over 300 million people worldwide. Each condition has an impact on everyday life, including the need for a daily care routine. Managing these care-related tasks alongside their usual daily activities such as work, school and leisure time can be challenging.

Despite all of these, rare diseases are also rarely talked about in the media. The issue has been neglected by significant media here and abroad. Organizations that lobby for more support and resources for the cause have been having a hard time for the past few years.

We asked some Cebuano members of Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health - Philippines, a collaboration of youth leaders and organizations in universities and communities throughout the Philippines, on why it is essential to talk about rare diseases.

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Kayzel J. Maata, 19

BS Biology student

University of the Philippines Cebu

Building awareness about rare diseases is so important because this can truly help those who are affected. Rare diseases affect just a few individuals and pharmaceutical companies don't give much attention to developing treatments because they know that not so many people would need and buy them. Certainly, this is an unfair thing for patients with rare diseases. Thus, awareness should be raised to address their needs, so that care and treatments would be made available for them.

Lance Beniga, 19

BS Biology student

University of the Philippines Cebu

It is important to talk about rare diseases because these kinds of diseases are only known by few people. By that, pharmaceutical companies do not give that much attention about the cure because of its lesser reach. As members [of VYLH-Philippines], we believe that it is important to advocate for the care and needs of rare disease patients.  It is hoped that through an information drive, the public will be aware of such diseases. And by that, pharmaceutical companies will be obliged to find such cure.

Gale Rizarri Enad, 20

BS Nursing student

University of Cebu

It is important to talk about rare diseases so that people will know that rare diseases exist. They should also have health care treatment and receive budget allocation for research similar to other more known diseases.

Marius Eldrid A. Bohol, 19

BS Nursing student

University of Cebu

We should talk about rare disease because it may significantly affect a person's well-being. The percentage may be very tiny, as it is rare, but we still need to talk about this because our future children might have this. This can affect anyone including the person reading this or their loved ones. Through talking about this concern in the society, we can inform, educate, and communicate the possible ways of providing care and lessening the burden of the disease among patient families in the community. With the simple act of talking about the rare disease, one may change a person's future.

Ma. Angelica Haictin, 19

BS Biology student

University of the Philippines Cebu

We should talk about these because our indifference is just as deadly, if not worse, than the actual rare diseases themselves. It's not a solution, but talking about rare diseases means acknowledging that there is a problem, and we need to do something about it.

Atthea Jane Lepiten, 19

BS Radiologic Technology student

Cebu Doctors University

Rare diseases only happen to one in thousands of children. Ironically speaking, it is rare but it should be tackled and talked by more people. The disease can kill a child on a whim without them even knowing.

Roda Gayle Rañada, 20

BS Chemical Engineering student

Cebu Institute of Technology - University

Rare diseases should be talked about because it is not much known especially to the common folk. People should know that they exist and be aware of the journey of the people that are affected by these. We should support and be there for them because their struggle is also our struggle, as well. I believe that we should not be ignorant of matters like these because we are part of a growing society that nurtures and cares for one another.

Claire Angelie Z. Sadicon, 20

BS Pharmacy student

University of San Carlos

Only a few people know about rare diseases. Often, people misunderstood and mislabeled them as "abnormal." Even with just this reason, it shows how important it is to talk about rare diseases or the people who have these diseases.

Patients with rare diseases also get neglected most of the time, and this is unfair because they deserve the same quality of care as any other patient. It is essential that these should be talked about because these things matter. As Dr. Tolar said, “It is easy to dismiss rare diseases as something that can never happen to you, to your family. But to the family impacted, it doesn’t matter that it’s a rare disease. It’s the disease that changes their life." (University of Minnesota, 2017)

Niño Jan Vergara Miole, 21

BS Nursing student

University of Cebu

As a nursing student, it is my advocacy to bring health-related matters to the forefront of societal endeavors to bring its awareness in the limelight. After all, health is a fundamental right, not a privilege. I believe that we can create a healthier Philippines if everyone has the desire to become active participants of their health.

Talking about rare disorders isn't for show. It transcends superficial discussions and elevates the bar of competency of mothers in improving their care to their children. It transformed them to become empowered individuals to take action, and that is the cornerstone of having a healthy life. Rare disorders are not taboo. Be open to sharing your rare, and show that you care.

Klein Rowen N. Cantiveros, 25

Nurse

Department of Health Region VII

It is relevant to talk about rare diseases to increase awareness. Aside from that, people need to know that these cases are present and are left untreated due to poor financial support. Also to give hope to families that they are not alone in this battle and that there are people willing to help them.

Neil Christian General, 24

Faculty Member

University of Cebu

It is very important for us to talk about rare diseases because these are the diseases that no one, or only a few, cares about. We need to raise everyone's awareness on these conditions as the treatment and medicines for these conditions are normally very expensive. And, on a business standpoint, pharmaceutical companies cannot earn much from formulating drugs for these diseases as there is no enough demand. As such, there is a need for us to support the families of those affected and in a way, by being their voice.

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The youth have produced significant contributions throughout the years, but they are often neglected because of their age. The youth may be judged inexperienced and naive, but if society will listen to their suggestions, everyone can learn a lot from them.

As cliche as it may sound, but the youth indeed is the hope of the nation. The people of yesterday should listen to the people of today because the future does not only rely on their actions. Future generations will also carry the burden of the mistakes being done today. 

Perhaps, it is time to listen to them again!

Written and compiled by Maurice Jitty Villaester 

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Maurice is a Master of Development Communication student via distance learning from the University of the Philippines Open University. A native of Baril, Cebu, he joined VYLH in 2018 as part of Batch Hayaw.

Ed RPascual

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A millennial’s perspective: How to become a true VYL?

Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) Philippines is an initiative made to promote health advocacies that are not necessarily popular to many. Health advocacies such as the importance of newborn screening, public support to children with rare diseases, and folic acid supplementation were introduced and reintroduced to the public for awareness. VYLH is the only youth organization in the Philippines recognized to have supported such advocacies. 

VYLH has been organizing camps since 2009, has produced outstanding results, and has raised dynamic advocates in our country.  In the 2018 camp series of the Visayas cluster, the Negros-Western Visayas camp was the first to be held. And as expected, it helped in shaping the growth and understanding of the fresh young leaders of the advocacies of VYLH. The camp’s goal is not only focused on its organization’s specific activities, but also to the growth and enrichment of the individual volunteers that the organization chose and recruited for its cause.

Young leaders of different interests and fields were gathered in the City of Smiles, Bacolod, last May 18, 2018. Forty-six students from the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros (Occidental and Oriental) enthusiastically answered the call for new volunteers. A specific highlight of this camp and the succeeding camps is the honing of health ambassadors in each volunteer as epitomized by the theme, “HAYAW: Fostering Ambassadors of Health.” Hayaw is the Visayan term for rise or emerge, and this is the official batch name of this year’s new volunteers. 

To become a Volunteer Youth Leader (VYL) for health is definitely an honor and privilege, because not everyone who wants to be one can be one, and not everyone is presented with the opportunity. In order to be a VYL, one must go through screening, submit requirements, or be officially selected by their school or organization. VYLH longs for a partner that is loyal, passionate and dedicated - a lifetime partner that is to say. Once a VY, always a VY since may forever sa VYLH (on the advocacies and family side for that matter). No matter the age, the educational background, and interests, we can always say loud and proud that “I am volunteer youth leader for health”. 

“I am volunteer youth leader for health”. That is what one is expected to say when they finish the camp— young, loud and proud. It’s what anyone who heard about the network would dream of saying. A call for volunteers was given, a lot of dynamic youth leaders heard it, but only a few were chosen to be officially called as a volunteer youth leader for health or a "VY". 

The usual stereotypes definitely didn’t exist in VYLH. The organization may have standards on how they pick their new members but your educational attainment, course and interests won’t matter as long as you are one with the cause of giving the public awareness about the advocacies of the network. It was a collective effort of the VYs from different batches that serves as a strong element in keeping the fire alive up until now. 

The usual joke that circulates around the group is the fact that most VYs are unfortunately single (or so we think). Participants of the said camps were bred to love… the advocacies. Maybe they got their priorities mixed up after that. A life of a millennial VY is now about the advocacies of the organization, and adding hugots to any conversation that they are having.

To sum up, here are four points on how to become a true VY (as placed together by a millennial):

1. A true VY is loyal—loyal to its cause.

2. A true VY knows how to trust in their relationship… with their fellow VYs.

3. A true VY is willing to wait. Wait until all the organization’s advocacies are fulfilled.

4. A true VY is prepared to let go… of the brochures that they are distributing because they know by heart the reason for such activity, and that is to educate the community.#

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Written by Chloei Mae Libatog (Batch Kabilin)

Cebu City

Chloei is a first year BS Biology student at the University of the Philippines Cebu. 

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From trainee to trainor: Keeping the VYLH legacy alive thru Hayaw

The cycle was seemingly never going to end. Burnt out by the extreme requirements and demands in the academe, I felt very exhausted. In the end, all the sleepless nights I experienced were all worth it as I graduated as a senior high school student last March 23, 2018. Then summer came, and I was just recovering from my messed-up body clock. Most of the time, I had nothing to do aside from deciding on what course I am to take for college. This dilemma has got me to ponder as I seek for the right answers. Then I extensively backtracked the days of my life and ask: “What am I fighting for?”

I received a message from Kuya Floyd last May 8, 2018, if I could facilitate the upcoming Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Philippines (VYLH) Visayas Cluster Camp. I immediately responded with a “yes.” The opportunity to become a camp facilitator brings me back to so many memories when I was a delegate in 2016. I was only seventeen years old with fellow delegates who were older than me. To be back in the VYLH circle had me very ecstatic.

The first camp for the Visayas Cluster was held at Palmas del Mar, Bacolod City, with the theme “Hayaw: Fostering Ambassadors of Health.” The first camp was composed of delegates from Negros, Panay, and Guimaras. Every year, it has been a tradition of VYLH to give a batch name to the delegates. This year, the batch was called “Hayaw,” a Visayan term that means rise.

VYLH has always been an organization full of diverse members. Every volunteer has a unique talent or skill that is of great help to the foundation of the organization in facilitating camps or promoting the different advocacies. As for me, I have produced many posters, infographics, and videos used for the different activities in my school. During the preparations for the camp, I had the privilege of using my experience and creativity to produce most of the infomedia. With this, my energy and hype for the camp started to escalate. 

Most of the facilitators were from my place, Dumaguete City. Although some facilitators came from other parts of the region, planning and preparations were smoothly sailing through the help of social media. The reason why VYLH will never falter is because the organization always keeps in touch with their members regardless of geographical disparity. 

Day One. The delegates arrived early in the morning. Some of them were exhausted after travelling miles away while some were thrilled to know on what is to come on the following days. There was an apparent language barrier between the delegates from Negros Oriental and the rest, yet it was not an avenue for both groups to become strangers with one another. 

As early as the first day, matter has already been instilled to the minds of the delegates. I could remember myself back in my camp, trying to manage myself from falling asleep since we had to travel for many hours. However, due to my excitement and drive to learn that time, I tried my best to be attentive. This time, being a facilitator, listening to the lectures were as fresh as the time I first listened to all of it.

After a series of lectures, the delegates were set to prepare themselves for the most awaited beach-themed “Social’s Night.” The delegates immediately freshened up and transformed into their summer looks.

That spectacular night was spearheaded by Mr. Zechariah Jumawan or Kuya Chito who was a ball of laughter that night. I suddenly saw the need to breathe as he neverendingly pours laughing gas all over the session hall with his spontaneous jokes. Mr. and Ms. VYLH Social’s Night then followed. All delegates, with their colorful beach attire, introduced themselves one by one creatively by saying their names and mottos in life. Given a little time to prepare, all I can say is that all delegates of VYLH never fail to impress. Some of them were very witty while others were very funny.

The delegates per province showcased their talent presentations per group. All of them were spectacular! Back in 2016, my fellow delegates from Negros Oriental had to prepare an instant talent presentation overnight. The diversity within was really evident.

Day Two. Early morning, the delegates attended the morning devotion and did a little stretching off to prepare themselves for the day.

One of the new activities that we did not have during our camp was the Health Ambassador’s Workshop. The delegates in this activity were taught how to explain their advocacies to different people and in different real-life situations. This activity is crucial in gearing them up in the whenever they will be thrown questions and they have to answer it on their own. The dynamics of the camp balances two important elements: fun and learning. VYLH camps never fail to provide both.

The team-building activity was one of the highlights of the camp. Wearing comfortable sports attire, the delegates were set to face the obstacles. Five teams conquered strenuous and mind-boggling challenges that really tested them to work strategically as a team. They managed to handle the language barrier through communicating in Tagalog or in English. Looking at them as a facilitator this time around reminded me of how difficult the challenges were really to accomplish. Mr. Christian Emmanuel Enriquez or Kuya Emman, president of VYLH-Philippines, extracted all the key values the teams could learn from every challenge. The team-building activity was followed by a new version of the commitment ritual inspired by the movie Divergent wherein delegates have to pinch one out of five colors of dye powder. Every color represents a value they wish to commit to the organization. After celebrating as official volunteers, it was pool party time, and ice cream was served!

Day Three. The first day of the delegates as volunteers started very early. Morning devotions and exercises were conducted.

I was assigned to assist Tita Ma-an for her talk on “Rare Disease.” Although I was a facilitator, it was my first time to hear her speak and I could not help but attentively listen to her. The most striking lesson I could not forget from her was the reason why she continuously fought for the children with rare disease: children with rare disease occur only one in a million, but she believes that every one deserves to access quality health care and be given the opportunity for the child to fight in order to live. I really felt her when she uttered those powerful words. When I saw the pictures of her and her patients, it gave me the driving force to be like her one day. It was a very informative talk and really inspirational! Regardless of being a facilitator or a delegate, the learning certainly never stops, I realize.

The cultural presentation is one of the most anticipated events in every camp, which is performed by every provincial group. Intricate and colorful costumes were worn as they showcased skit and dance presentations of their provincial festivals with pride.

The set of activities for the last day were starting to make the facilitators and delegates feel the separation anxiety. Hayaw Circle is a segment on the last day for delegates to write letters to their fellow delegates before leaving to their respective homes. There were many things to write to some, most especially to the people who they bonded with. Certificates were given to the delegates, and also it has been a tradition to give a set of just-for-fun Kalog Awards. Unexpectedly, the recognized delegates were in shock as they were awarded. Furthermore, the most thrilling and breathtaking segment throughout the entire duration of the camp will have to remain a secret among the VYLH circle. The only thing I can say is that once you have attended VYLH camps, you will never ever forget that specific experience.

Looking back. Two years ago, I was proclaimed a new Health Ambassador and found a new family for me to grow and learn. I saw the importance of being a health worker in contributing to nation building. Then, I immediately saw the answer to my hanging question: I am fighting for the betterment of the health care system in the Philippines. The emptiness I felt during summer was fueled during the camp. When I arrived home in Dumaguete City, I immediately enrolled myself at Silliman University College of Nursing in the hopes of becoming one of the inspiring speakers of VYLH-Philippines in the nearest future.

Being a delegate before was a new growth and a discovery for a new avenue to serve. Yet learning never stopped, and as a facilitator, it flourished.

Bags ready and everyone was set to bound for their homes. As a facilitator, I felt very attached to everyone, and I really could feel the separation anxiety. Three days was not long enough, but it sure made us all miss one another, a family and a new one to the official volunteers. It was an emotional good-bye for everyone, but with the burning torch, they hold as they leave will forever keep the organization and its advocacies on the rise—Hayaw!#



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Written by Francis Estolloso (Batch Kabilin)
Dumaguete City

Francis is a first year BS Nursing student studying at Siliman University. 

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Inside Hayaw: VYLH launches two-part Visayas Cluster Camp

Have you ever been to a place far away but feels like home? Or a place where you can identify yourself with people who know the feeling of being there and have done that? Or maybe being with people who are also advocating a cause worth fighting for? Because once upon a time, I experienced that.

Last May 18-20 in a far away land in the City of Smiles at Palmas Del Mar Resort, gathered a group of confident, enthusiastic, talented, and amazing people across the islands of Panay-Guimaras, and the two provinces of the Negros Islands (Negros Occidental and Oriental). It was such a pleasure meeting new people because you get to know not just their selves but also their culture.

Being chosen as my school’s representative to VYLH-Philippines, I realized that it was a privilege and an honor because not all youth can get this kind of opportunity to be part of this organization advocating for health, and spreading awareness thru volunteerism. The camp opened my mind that this organization does not only accept people in the medical field but it is open to all people who are willing to take the responsibility of being a volunteer youth leader (VYL) for health regardless of race, gender, and profession.

The first day was a little bit off for me because I barely knew the people who I’m going to spend the three-day camp with. But as the hours went by and I started knowing each one of them, it hit me hard upon realizing that I am surrounded by amazing group of people. 

The camp started with a “bang” as we met the people behind VYLH and the facilitators who organized the camp. The young and fresh minds of the campers were filled by listening to the lectures on the VYLH advocacies, and the issues faced by the youth today. Later that evening, the Socials Night was a great opportunity to get to know the other delegates. It also proved that each individual has something to give by showing their talents confidently. 

The next day, the campers started the morning with a devotion and some fun morning exercises. After that, we took our breakfast and went on for more lectures about the advocacies on orphan disorders, and preconception health – the newest VYLH advocacy. The team building activity tested each team's skills, values, and teamwork. After completing the activity together, we were able to understand each other's strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Understanding these is vital not just to the organization but to our community and ourselves, as well. And, this will be crucial in our work as a group in the future. The night culminated with the most important event - setting our commitment as volunteer youth leaders and advocates to the organization and to rest of the country.

The last day of the camp gave mixed emotions to all. The regional cultural presentation showcased the culture and history of each island. This was followed by the Kalog awards and the VYLH “tradition”. Many of us were not ready to say our goodbyes and leave the camp yet, but it was time to go back home.

At this juncture, I would like to thank the whole VYLH-Philippines family, the Department of Health Western Visayas Regional Office, and Newborn Screening Center Visayas for spearheading this once in a lifetime event that changed our outlook in life; for opening our young minds on aspiring greater heights; and for impacting our lives with so much love, positivity, and awareness.

After joining this camp, I realized that I didn’t just gained friends but I found a family worth promising. The camp indeed was full of surprises, laughter and some tears but in the end, it was an experience of a lifetime. The journey and the possibilities is yet to come for each one of us. Definitely, this is just the beginning of an adventure that will last till the end of time - for there is no ending in this story that will still go on until the next generation comes.# 
                             
Hayaw is the Visayan word for rise or emerge. The second part of the Visayas Cluster Camp that will serve Central and Eastern Visayas is scheduled on August 2018 in Cebu. 

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Written by Karl Scott Bañares (Batch Hayaw)
Iloilo City

Karl Scott Banares is a BS Pharmacy student at University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.

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VYLH Visayas goes full circle with first Eastern Visayas Youth Camp

Written by Janelle Ruiz

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines, with support from the Department of Health – Eastern Visayas Regional Office (DOH-RO8) and Newborn Screening Center-Visayas (NSCV), welcomed new volunteers from Eastern Visayas in a youth camp held at San Juanico Park and Country Club, Tacloban City last September 17-18, 2016.  

With the theme “Revolutionizing Health Promotion through Youth Participation”, the camp marked the first recruitment and training venture of the network in Region 8 and it was participated by youth leaders from Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran and Leyte. The camp was facilitated by volunteers from prior batches (Pioneer, K4, I3, E4 and Hiraya) as part of their commitment to the network and the tradition of passing the VYLH culture and practices to new volunteers.

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VYLH-Philippines holds 3rd Central Visayas Regional Youth Camp

Written by Kristofer Ralph Supil, RN (Hiraya, Dumaguete)

Way up north in the island of Cebu, the waves splashed and glimmered from the sunbeams as the second leg of the Visayas cluster camps was about to commence. New volunteers from two regions, from five different provinces, came to grace the occasion. Surrounded by their ates and kuyas for the first time, new volunteers were welcomed in the best way possible, the VYLH style.

The two days in the camp would prove to be monumental in their journey to become leaders in the Philippines. They signed up for something bigger than themselves.

The delegates from the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Bohol, and Siquijor, took part in their very first step in becoming a volunteer youth leader for health. Popularly known as VYLH-Philippines, the organization has been running since 2009, slowly growing in number, and constantly strengthening its network with volunteer youth leaders who have a passion for leadership and health. These volunteers from different parts of the country are currently focusing on three advocacies: the campaign on folic acid awareness, the promotion on newborn screening, and the lobbying of support for rare and orphan disorders. The organization has been successful so far in mobilizing the youth in making a dent, a profound change, in history.

With the efforts of the organizing committee and the support of the Department of Health Regional Office VII (DOH RO7), Newborn Screening Center Visayas (NSCV) and the Institute of Human Genetics (IHG-NIH, UP Manila), the second leg of this year's regional camp to usher in a new wave of passionate leaders was made possible.

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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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ASCLEPIAN SUMMER: Youth Empowerment and Health Promotion

by John Romeo Dominick Diño (Kabilin)

In the spirit of leadership, youth empowerment and promotion of maternal and child health, I embarked my journey on being an advocate for health in the Philippines.

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) - Philippines conducted its Western Visayas regional camp last April 9-10, 2016 at Bacolod Pavilion Hotel in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Along with 39 other participants from different civic organizations, I was chosen to represent the Order of Asclepius in this annual event sponsored by the Department of Health and the Newborn Screening Center- Visayas.

PASSION AND PURPOSE. Youth leaders gather as thet pledge their commitment in doing voluntary services
on promoting public awareness and mobilizing the Filipino youth for health. 

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Generating a New Wave of Youth Leaders

Written by Tricia Carmona (Kabilin)

Welcoming Batch Kabilin. VYLH-Philippines held its first camp in Western Visayas last April 9-10, 2016 with youth participants from Negros Occidental and Panay Island provinces. In photo: the new volunteer youth leaders in  their cultural attire.

Picture this: We are living in a nation where young people can thrive and pursue their passions. They are well-educated and are taking charge of their lives. They empower themselves and the people around them, making them great leaders and parents in the future. 

This is the change our country badly needs right now.

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VYLH-Philippines welcomes Batch Kabilin

Written by Lera Almendral (I3)

Batch Kabilin (Western Visayas) together with the facilitators and invited guests.

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines welcomed Batch Kabilin, the newest batch of volunteer youth leaders during the Western Visayas Regional Camp held at Bacolod Pavilion Hotel last April 9-10, 2016. Kabilin is the Cebuano word for heritage and legacy.

Camp Starters. Volunteer Youth Leaders participating in the games "Hammer" and
"How well do you know your co- camper?"

With the theme, “Revolutionizing health promotion through youth participation”, the two-day camp introduced the participants to the organization and prepared them to be part of VYLH-Philippines. A total of 39 youth volunteers were able to qualify for the camp, 16 of which came from Negros Occidental and 23 from Panay Island provinces. Meanwhile, the camp was facilitated by selected volunteer youth leaders (VYLs) from prior batches (Pioneer, I3, K4 and Hiraya) as part of the tradition and conscious effort of the network of preserving its formation and heritage from each generation of VYL to another.

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VYLH-Philippines Central Visayas welcomes Batch Hiraya

Written by John Paul Oira and Floyd Edrea
Newborn Screening 
May-June 2015 Issue

Reigniting the spirit of youth volunteerism in Central Visayas, the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)–Philippines, in collaboration with the Department of Health–Regional Office (DOH-RO) 7 and Newborn Screening Center (NSC)–Visayas, organized this year’s regional youth camp to increase awareness on health issues among the youth and to mobilize youth leaders in the region toward health advocacy work.

This year’s newest breed of volunteers took the name Hiraya, from the Filipino word for “vision,” giving emphasis on the theme “Revolutionizing Health Promotion through Youth Participation.” This was the first time for VYLH to adopt a single Filipino word to name their batch. This was also the first time VYLH opened its doors to public applicants, adding to those who were selected by schools or organizations. A total of 20 applicants were accepted into the camp.

The first batch of Hiraya volunteers were inducted at the VYLH-Philippines Central Visayas Regional Camp in Boljoon, Cebu, on May 22-24, 2015. Students and young professionals from Siquijor, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Bohol, as well as new volunteers from Tacloban City, comprise the 53-member strong batch.

Participants were greeted by camp facilitators at the Cebu Club Fort Med Resort. The camp officially opened on May 22 with GTKY (Getting-to-know-you) activities, camp introduction, messages from regional partners, and a video message from VYLH National Adviser Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla.

Dr. Emmelie Pfleider-Silao, NBS Medical Coordinator, through NBS Nurse Coordinator Mr. Ruff Vincent Valdevieso, presented the Department of Health Programs and DOH-RO 7 Updates on Newborn Screening—one of the three major advocacies of VYLH. It was followed by an orientation on the National Newborn Screening Program by Ms. Yugie Caroline Demegillo, NSC-Visayas Program Manager. Anna Leah Millares, NSC-Visayas ENBS Nurse, presented the Expanded Newborn Screening Program. 

A Social Night and Talent Expo was held in the evening to facilitate campers get acquainted with one another. Spicing up the night was an on-the-spot Mr. and Ms. Social Night, with Zecariah Chito Jumawan and Khem Alvarez as camp heartthrobs.

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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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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: VYLH-Philippines Central Visayas Regional Youth Camp (May 22-24, 2015/Cebu)

Last year, VYLH-Philippines started a series of regional orientation events which catered youth leaders from CAR, NCR, CALABARZON and Central Visayas. 

The 2014 Central Visayas camp was held at Intosan Resort in Danao City. This year, with the support of DOH Central Visayas Regional Office and Newborn Screening Center Visayas, VYLH-Philippines will be holding the second youth camp for the region. 

CALL FOR YOUTH LEADERS. The following are the qualifications and mechanics for application as camp participant. The application form can also be downloaded in this page. 

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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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