141 Newborns Receive Free Screening in Cavite, Batangas

BATANGAS / CAVITE — A total of 141 newborn babies from Cavite and Batangas recently benefited from free newborn screening services through a joint initiative of the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the Department of Health (DOH) CALABARZON.

The activity highlighted the importance of early detection of life-threatening conditions among infants, as underscored in a recent report aired on 24 Oras. One such case is that of seven-year-old Klein from Cavite, whose condition was discovered through newborn screening shortly after birth.

Klein’s mother, identified as Jade, recalled that her son appeared unusually pale, did not cry, and refused to feed when he was born. Following screening, Klein was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a disorder that affects hormone production. Jade said the condition caused her son to mature earlier than expected, noting that a bone age test conducted when he was five showed skeletal development equivalent to that of an 11-year-old child.

“Manly na po yung boses niya. Mahirap, every three months kailangan dalhin ko siya sa doctor,” Jade shared.

Health officials explained that elevated hormone levels associated with the condition may lead to early or precocious puberty. DOH CALABARZON Project Development Officer Jose Antonio Yap said both male and female sex hormones may be abnormally high in such cases, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and treatment.

The DOH emphasized that newborn screening can detect and help prevent more than 29 diseases and complications if addressed early. Through the recent newborn screening caravan organized by the GMA Kapuso Foundation in partnership with DOH CALABARZON, 74 newborns in Batangas and 67 in Cavite were screened.

Infants found to have medical conditions will be referred to newborn screening continuity clinics, in coordination with DOH CALABARZON, to ensure sustained medical care. Pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Carol Boongaling stressed the importance of long-term treatment, noting that care should continue as the child grows to ensure normal and healthy development.

Aside from screening services, mothers who participated in the activity also received hygiene kits, diapers, baby clothes, and health and wellness products. Amway Philippines country manager Maria Elenita Olmedo said the initiative recognizes the need to care not only for infants but also for mothers’ well-being.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation announced that it will continue to roll out newborn screening activities across CALABARZON in partnership with DOH throughout 2026, aiming to reach more communities and safeguard the health of Filipino children from birth onward.