Dr. Carmencita Padilla: Born to Make a Difference
How Dr. Carmencita Padilla’s life’s work gave every Filipino newborn a healthier start.
Dr. Carmencita Padilla had always wanted to be a doctor. She was determined to specialize in neonatology, but her mentors and professors at the University of the Philippines (UP) convinced her to focus on genetics, a new field in the country at that time. Although initially reluctant, Dr. Padilla dove into it, starting with training in clinical genetics at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Sydney, Australia.
Belg Belgica
Later, she would realize that she had found her calling: “I realized that my mission is to bring genetics to the ordinary Filipino.” She has done it by championing newborn screening in the country.
Newborn screening (NBS) is a test that can save a baby’s life, explains Dr. Padilla. “It checks for serious, but treatable or manageable conditions before symptoms even show. If caught early, we can give the right treatment and management so the child can live a healthy, full life.”
Dr. Padilla advocated for it tirelessly. Wanting to demonstrate the benefits of the program, in 1996, they launched a pilot study in 24 hospitals with support from UP Manila and a seed grant from the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. “We faced many challenges: limited government support, no infrastructure, little awareness among healthcare workers and families, and a high rate of home births,” she says.
Their hard work paid off and the program went national. “It steadily grew, and so did our capacity to give every Filipino child a healthier start in life. It’s really taking care of the future generation, the future Filipinos.”
Newborn screening would be mandated by Philippine law, thanks to the Newborn Screening Act of 2004, which Dr. Padilla and other advocates fought for.
“My dream remains the same: that every Filipino newborn, no matter where they are born, has access to life-saving screening and care.”
The Newborn Screening Program has come a long way—and it continues to grow. It’s now in over 7,200 health facilities across the country and from just five, it now screens more than 29 conditions. “To date, more than 20 million Filipino babies have been screened, and nearly 300,000 have been spared from serious illness, disability, or even death,” says Dr. Padilla.
It wasn’t the only time her work has led to policy change. She was also instrumental in the passing of The Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines. “Every Filipino child, regardless of how rare their condition may be, deserves access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and care,” Dr. Padilla says. “Both laws are designed to protect our most vulnerable citizens and uphold the fundamental right to health. They represent what can be achieved when science, advocacy, and collaboration come together in service of public health.”
Belg Belgica
Teaching is another passion of Dr. Padilla, who also served as chancellor at UP Manila. “Good ideas will continue to live on if another generation of physicians, pediatricians and geneticists will believe in the value of genetics for the benefit of the Filipinos. I can only do that if I continue to teach and inspire the young,” she says.
She’s received many awards throughout her career and last year, she was declared a National Scientist—the highest honor a Filipino scientist can achieve in the country. “It affirms that science, when done with heart and purpose, can be transformative. This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to every mentor, colleague, institution, and community I’ve worked with over the years.”
Dr. Padilla, now 69, is not slowing down. She still teaches. She still has projects in UP, including a 17-story research building and a science park. She still helps out with the Newborn Screening Program—and is even helping other countries in Asia set up their own.
Belg Belgica
Of the many things she’s achieved in her life, Dr. Padilla says she is proudest of being a mother and a mentor. These days, she gets to spend more time with her son, who is also a doctor, an OB-GYN.
For Dr. Padilla, continuing her life’s work means, “I can choose my battles and focus on what I want to do.” That includes genetics, of course. “My dream remains the same: that every Filipino newborn, no matter where they are born, has access to life-saving screening and care.”
Hair and makeup: Cats del Rosario.
