Child Neurology Society, Philippines, Inc.
About Us
The Child Neurology Society, Philippines, Inc. is a dedicated community of child neurologists committed to providing the best care for children with neurological disorders.
We aim to advance the field of child neurology through excellence in patient care, education, and research.
As members of the Child Neurology Society, Philippines, Inc., we aim to be
C
ompetent
ompassionate
ommitted
Neurologists Serving the Philippines with Integrity
Our Mission
To champion the neurologic health of all Filipino children
Our Vision
Nationwide access to neurologic expertise with optimal outcomes for children with neurologic conditions.
Empowerment of stakeholders in neurologic health through innovative research, health promotion, education and compassionate care.
History of the Child Neurology Association, Philippines, Inc.
The conceptualization of a child neurology program in the Philippines began in the 70's when general neurologist Dr. Lillian Lee, upon the completion of her child neurology training in the United States, returned to the Philippines and trained three other pediatricians in child neurology. Concurrently, other Filipino doctors trained abroad, upon returning to the country joined the staff of the Children's Medical Center, located in Banawe, Quezon City, and practiced the specialty.
In 1986, when Dr. Lee became an executive in then Lungsod ng Kabataan Children's Hospital, now Philippine Children's Medical Center, the realization of the persistent and growing need for more specialists in the field, coupled with a lack of a cohesive system to cater to indigent patients, birthed the first formal training program to provide holistic care in child neurology.
Road to 100
1986
Drs. Lilian V. Lee and Aida M. Salonga started the formal post-residency training in Child Neurology at PCMC. Modeled from the training program of the American Neurological Board, this was modified to suit the needs of the Filipino children. Experts in various fields were tapped and the program was subsequently approved by the Philippine Neurological Association Specialty Board and thus, the first Fellowship program for child neurology began.
1988
The Section of Pediatric Neurology was started in the University of Santo Tomas Hospital and was accredited by the Philippine Neurological Association under the leadership of Drs. E. Rigor, R. Pe Benito and R. de Sagun of the Department of Pediatrics and joint efforts Drs. Jesus Poblete, Gilberto Gamez, and Jose Navarro of the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry.
1990
A formal Pediatric Neurology Post-Residency Fellowship training was established in the UP-Philippine General Hospital as a joint program between the Department of Pediatrics, under the chairmanship of Dr. Amelia Fernandez, and the Section of Neurology of the Department of Medicine, with Dr. Ester Bitanga as Chief of the Section. The program was headed by Dr. Aida Salonga as the program director, who was soon supported by Dr. Myrna Fojas as the first training officer.
1992
The first specialty board examinations in pediatric neurology was conducted by the Philippine Neurological Association. Five new child neurologists were certified that year: Drs. De Sagun, Palines, Panlilio, Ortiz, and Robles.
With three institutions producing trained child neurologists. The graduates from these programs eventually settled in Metro Manila and other provinces and would return to their mother institutions to teach and practice pediatric neurology.
1993
The Child Neurology Society, Philippines, Inc. was formed under the auspices of the Philippine Neurological Association (PNA) and recognized by the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Pediatric Society. This is the very first subspecialty society of the PNA and was duly registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 7, 1994.
Pediatricians and general neurologists continued to pursue specialty training in child neurology in the three institutions. With the changing times and constant advancements in the medical field, each institution produced quality post-graduate courses in child neurology and increased interest in the field, while others pursued further sub-specialty trainings in epileptology, neuro-physiology, neuro-genetics, neuro-oncology and the like, both locally and internationally, which fueled the growth of the society.
1997
The first CNSP biennial convention was held in Manila.
1998
Two years after the return of Dr. Rhandy Pe Benito from a prestigious practice of child neurology in New York, the Section of Child Neurology in the University of Santo Tomas Hospital was established headed by Dr. R. de Sagun with under the chairmanship of Dr. Miguel L. Noche Jr. in the Department of Pediatrics and Dr. Bernardo Jorge Conde in the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, later on establishing the Neurodevelopmental Unit with other notable specialists.
2007
CNSP hosted the 9th Asian Oceanian Congress of Child Neurology (AOCCN) for the first time on Jan. 24-27 at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel.
2008
2014
The 1st Dr. Lillian V. Lee Professorial Lecture was given by Dr. Yukio Fukuyama during the CNSP 6th Biennial Convention “Empowering Child Neurology Practitioners in the 21st Century” on Nov. 26-29, 2008 in the Bellevue Hotel at the bustling Filinvest Alabang Business Center in Muntinlupa City.
With streamlining of medical organizations, the general neurology track to become child neurologists was temporarily put on hold to give way to create a more harmonious system of professional development.
To date, the CNSP remain to be a society under the umbrella of the Philippine Neurologic Association, and duly recognized by the Philippine Pediatric Society and Philippine Medical association as the
CNSP Past Presidents :
LILLIAN V. LEE, MD
FOUNDING PRESIDENT
1993-1997
AIDA M. SALONGA, MD
1998-2000
MARILYN H. ORTIZ, MD
2001-2002
IGNACIO V. RIVERA, MD
2003-2004
TERESITA N. RABANAL, MD
2005-2006
MARISSA B. LUKBAN, MD
2007-2008
MADELEINE GRACE M. SOSA, MD
2009-2010
ELIZABETH V. PALINES, MD
2011-2012
ROSALINA Q. DE SAGUN, MD
2013-2014
VICTORIA G. BAEL, MD
2015-2016
JEAN MARIE B. AHORRO, MD
2017- 2018
KRISTINE B. LATORRE-MENDOZA, MD
2019-2020
ADOLFO D. SOLIS, MD
2021-2022
RUTH G. VALERIANO, MD
2023-2024
2018
The Growing Brain Project was launched as a CNSP initiative to promote community awareness, education and advocacy movement for childhood neurological and neuro-developmental conditions.
2023
Thirty years after its inception in 1993, the fellows of the CNSP reaches 100 strong.
Coming out of the global pandemic, the ever-expanding and dynamic field of child neurology continue to challenge our society and members in navigating the ever-changing landscape of providing quality neurologic care for the Filipino children.With emerging illnesses coupled with increasing survivors of neurologic diseases left with chronic disabilities, the call for more specialists in the field of child neurology remain immanent.
Just as our humble beginnings taught us the value of adapting to the needs of the community, time has determined the value of persevering in the face of hardships and obstacles. We, of the Child Neurology Society, Philippines remain forward-looking and discerning to suit the different needs through the changing conditions of our times.
Board of Trustees
2023-2024
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
President
Ruth G. Valeriano,MD
Vice President
Joan R. Viado, MD
Secretary
Edgardo B. Epe,MD
Treasurer
Ma. Amparo C. Agrava, MD
Trustees
Benilda C. Sanchez-Gan, MD
Maria Rowena C. C. Cruda,MD
Evelyn G. Sta. Cruz,MD