Saving Generations: How Newborn Screening Changed Filipino Families—and the Nation Itself

When a baby is born, the first cries often fill a room with joy. Yet, beneath that joy may lie a silent threat, an illness invisible at birth, but powerful enough to alter a child’s future.

- By VINA G. MENDOZA

NSSPI officers led by its President Dr. Rizalina Gonzalez are joined by PHIC President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado (sixth from right) and National Scientist Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla (seventh from right) during the National Newborn Screening Convention held at The Manila Hotel on October 16-17, 2025.

For nearly three decades, the Philippine Newborn Screening (NBS) Program has safeguarded Filipino families from that unseen danger. Through a tiny heel prick and a few drops of blood, newborn screening detects serious but treatable disorders. When treated or managed early, these conditions can mean the difference between a life of health and one marked by lifelong illness.

What began in 1996 as a small pilot project that screened 11,992 babies - or 0.7% of all live births, has grown into a nationwide network that reached 1.33 million newborns in 2024. This coverage represents 91.8% of all live births, including over 36,000 newborns from unserved and underserved areas. Every region in the country now actively participates, and over 20 million Filipino babies have been screened since the program began. From detecting only five disorders at first, the program now screens for over 29 life-threatening but treatable or manageable conditions.

The impact is profound. Thousands of children who once faced a lifetime of illness are now thriving—going to school, playing with friends, and living full lives.

At the 23rd National Newborn Screening Convention held on October 16-17, 2025 at The Manila Hotel, life-changing stories took center stage.

In one heartwarming session, mothers stood before hundreds of doctors, scientists and health workers to share how a simple test forever changed their children’s lives - how early diagnosis turned confusion into clarity, and fear into hope.

“Utang na loob po namin sa inyo ang buhay ng mga anak namin,” said Jhudie, her voice breaking with gratitude.