The Philippine Society of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics celebrated a momentous occasion as it held its 6th Regional Scientific Symposium last September 4 to 5, 2024, at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. This event marked the resumption of the Society’s regional conferences, designed to engage various stakeholders from remote areas. The symposium, titled “Forging Alliances for the C.H.I.L.D (Community and Home Interventions for Low-resource and Distant Areas),” aimed to address the needs of underserved and far-flung communities.
The symposium commenced with motivating and inspiring remarks from Dr. Agnes C. Andanar, President of the PPS-North Central Mindanao Chapter; Dr. Jacqueline O. Navarro, President of PSDBP; and the enthusiastic Overall Chair of the symposium, Dr. Anna Rebecca V. Doroja. This was followed by a highly acclaimed lecture from Dr. Alexis Socorro Reyes, who delivered an extensive summary of the evolution of various neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Reyes discussed their historical context, presented new statistical data, and highlighted advancements in management and interventions over time. Dr. Celina Gellada then followed with a lecture discussing recent updates to the CDC milestone checklists and their implications on developmental surveillance. Subsequently, Teacher Abellardo Apollo David, commonly known as Teacher Archie, along with Ms. Maryden Ocot and Dr. Ana Katherina Go, led a dynamic and enlightening panel discussion on child development initiatives in low-resource settings. The afternoon pushed on with compelling lectures from Dr. Ferriza Maria Isaguirre and Dr. Victoria Dominique Ang-Nolasco, who focused on the identification of early warning signs of developmental disorders within the community and how to provide essential first-aid strategies for managing these disorders in low-resource environments, respectively. The first day concluded with a presentation by the Society’s president, Dr. Jacqueline Navarro, on the WHO Caregiver Skills Training Program.
The second day of the symposium was equally exhilarating as the first, featuring a series of engaging and inspiring presentations that proved particularly beneficial for healthcare professionals and allied medical practitioners in remote regions. Notable speakers, including Teacher Maria Eusebia Catherine Sadicon, Teacher Grace Flores Osio, and Teacher Thea Sheila Ocheda-Alonto, shared their expertise on various topics: Teacher Mae focused on strategies for language stimulation, Teacher Grace addressed methods for managing challenging classroom behaviors, and Teacher Sheila discussed the development of self-help skills and fostering independence in children with special needs.
Indeed, meaningful alliances and connections were made in the City of Golden Friendships as the event brought together 683 delegates composed of physicians, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, teachers, psychologists, counselors, and social workers, among others. The symposium provided a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences, and building networks among professionals committed to improving developmental and behavioral outcomes for children in underserved areas. The success of the symposium is truly a testament to the power of collaboration and the PSDBP’s commitment to uplifting the lives of children and families, particularly those in low-resource settings.