The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur has officially sealed a strategic partnership with Medical Open World and Ateneo de Naga University through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement and the turnover of two (2) Incunest Portable Climate-Controlled Neonatal Cradles, held on July 30, 2026 at the Tourism Building, Capitol Complex, Pili.
“Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality in the Philippines. And we know that democratizing technology and serving the underserved areas can make the difference to so many families that struggle with prematurity,” shared Dr. Elena Amaral Asensio, international volunteer from Medical Open World.
Explaining why the Philippines was chosen as the first recipient of the prototype, Dr. Asensio noted that transferring premature newborns from primary to tertiary facilities remains a major challenge. Neonatal resources are typically concentrated in tertiary facilities, but transfers are often difficult because of the islands, requiring travel by boat and ambulance.
Designed to drastically reduce neonatal mortality, the Incunest is a revolutionary, low-cost portable incubator tailored for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Priced at just 1.500€—96% less than conventional commercial models—it delivers critical climate-controlled care to maternal and newborn patients where standard medical infrastructure is hard to reach.
Geared toward elevating quality healthcare, education, research, and community development for every Camarinense, this milestone partnership serves as a collaborative platform bridging global innovation with local needs.
The momentous agreement was led by CamSur Governor Lray Villafuerte; Dr. Elena Amaral Asensio and Engr. Miguel Silva Santos of Medical Open World; and Elmer Sto. Domingo Jr, Director of the ADNU Center for Community Development.
“Committed po tayo na gamitin 'to at makikita ng ating kababayan na malaking bagay po 'to, kasi ngayon 'pag preterm ang bata, talagang kailangan ng incubator 'yan at kulang tayo ng mga incubator sa mga barangay, hospital. So malaking bagay po 'to and hopefully dumami pa. Sabi ko nga, pwede naman i-manufacture sa CamSur 'yan dahil open source naman. We will work with them para mangyari po 'to,” shared Governor Lray Villafuerte.
As part of the initial rollout, the Incunest units will be stationed at Garchitorena and Ragay District Hospital, with Governor Lray sharing plans to acquire additional units so that every clinic and hospital in the province will soon be equipped with this life-saving technology.
Following the event, the visiting NGO’s international volunteers took a quick tour of CamSur’s various medical vans and health equipment, highlighting the province’s continuously growing mobile healthcare fleet.
Sto. Domingo shared that the school’s partnership with the Medical Open World began with a referral from the Jesuits to their Father President. Beyond the outreach programs and immersions the NGO has been conducting, he noted that donating an incubator is an especially innovative and fitting initiative.
Through his communication with former Ateneo colleagues now working in the Provincial Government, he said the donation will greatly benefit communities across CamSur.
“Mas napadali [yung coordination] kasi you went to the right people; you connected with the right people. It will help the people of Camarines Sur na 'yung health situation is mas maiiangat pa natin, mas ile-level up natin given with all these innovations, with these medical updates na nangyayari sa atin,” he furthered.
This trilateral collaboration transforms Camarines Sur into a living laboratory and a premier global partner—uniting government, academe, and international healthcare experts to secure a safer, healthier future for every Camarinense family.
