About Us
The Brain Foundation of the Philippines
Historical Milestones
1979
The BRAIN FOUNDATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, was born in October 1979.
- Originally named Foundation for the Advancement of Neurological Sciences, Inc., it was the brainchild of a group of pioneering Filipino neuroscientists.
- Objectives were to promote the professional development of Filipino neuroscientists, and to support neuroscience research in the country, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of neurological care of Filipino patients, particularly the underserved.
BRAIN, Inc. was incorporated with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 1979.
- The four “Founding Fathers” were Dr. Benjamin D. Adapon (neuroradiology), Dr. Bienvenido B. Aldanese (neurosurgery), Dr. Martesio Perez (neurology), and Dr. Renato Q. Sibayan (neurosurgery).
- Other original incorporators were: Dr. Zenaida G. Bagabaldo ( neurophysiology), Dr. Eric P. Flores ( neurosurgery), Dr. Regina Macalintal-Canlas ( neurology), Mr. Roberto N. Bacsal (businessman), and Atty. Samuel T. Bañez.
1989
Inauguration of the Brain Library
- On August 30, 1989, the Neuroscience Library or BRAIN Library was inaugurated. The renovation was also sponsored by the Brain Foundation.
2004
BRAIN, Inc. underwent major reorganization in 2004.
- The new BRAIN Board of Trustees was composed of Dr. Ma. Corazon M. Dañguilan, Dr. Aida M. Salonga, Dr. Marilyn H. Ortiz, Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, Dr. Artemio A. Roxas, Jr., Dr. Fe C. Enrile-Bacsal, Dr. Raymond L. Espinosa, Dr. Lourdes K. Ledesma and Dr. Willy G. Lopez. The Executive Director was Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino.
2005
BRAIN, Inc. Articles of Incorporation and By Laws were amended in May 2005
- The Corporation name was amended to The Brain Foundation of the Philippines (BRAIN), Inc.
- The official corporate seal was designed and adopted.
- Other provisions amended and approved by the general membership.
2006
The BRAIN FOUNDATION OF THE PHILIPPINES was granted accreditation by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) on October 2006.
The Brain Foundation of the Philippines was given accreditation as a “Donée Institution” by the PCNC which facilitated donations to the organization.
2008
A new set of officers was elected in March 2008.
- Elected members of the Board of Trustees were Dr. Aida M. Salonga, Dr. Raymond L. Espinosa, Dr. Artemio A. Roxas, Jr., Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, Dr. Godfrey T. Robeniol, Dr. Julette-Marie F. Batara, Dr. Ma. Epifania V. Collantes, Dr. Maria Antonia Aurora M. Valencia and Dr. Paul Matthew D. Pasco. The Executive Director is Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino-Maligaso.
The book entitled ‘Compendium of Philippine Neuroscience Researches” was launched by The Brain Foundation of the Philippines (BRAIN), Inc. on March 16, 2008
The BRAIN Research Committee compiled 610 abstracts of Neuroscience researches done in the Philippines from 1985 to 2005, to guide researchers on where to focus and get base-line data. The publication of this compendium is one of the major endeavors of BRAIN in fulfilling its mission of improving the neurological health care of our people through research.
2023
The current Board of Trustees was elected by the membership on July 2023
The current Board of Trustees is composed of the following: Dr. Hazel Zuellig, Dr. Cymbeline B. Perez-Santiago, Dr. Christian Wilson R. Turalde, Dr. Paul Matthew D. Pasco, Dr. Jesus M. Nigos, Dr. Marie Antoinette Abao-Dellosa and Dr. Marc Laurence L. Fernandez. Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino-Maligaso was reappointed as Executive Director.
Advancing the Philippine Neuroscience Research Agenda
The Brain Foundation Spanning Four Decades of Service
Patient Care Programs
1979-2024
The Brain Foundation provided assistance for:
- 410 patients under the Children’s Hour Philippines program
- 580 patients under the PGH Pediatric Neurosurgical Craniofacial Operating Unit (PNCOU) Project
- 355 patients under the Myasthenia Gravis Free Clinic program
- 44 patients under the Nathaniel Fund for Pediatric Neurology patients program
- 46 patients under the Drs Robert and Benilda Gan Fund for Pediatric Neurology patients program
- 67 patients under the Free Medical Services, Diagnostics, and Treatment program
Research Grants
1979-2024
Twenty five (25) research grants were given
April 2011
Novartis Healthcare for the Educational grant, Fellowship Training support for PGH Pediatric Neurology.
Recipient: Dr. Thaddeus Jose B. Bayana
December 2014
Signing of Memorandum of Agreement with Hi-Eisai Pharmaceutical, Inc, for Sponsorship of Educational Grant, to help improve the practice of Pediatric Neurology in the Philippines
August 2016
Linkage with the Dept. of Medicine, University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center (UPHDMC)through a Memorandum of Agreement to support their residency training program and research activities. The Brain Foundation acted as fund administrator.
Project: CODE RED: Simplifying the Complicated on Blood and Malignancies.
Project: Clinical Pearls of I.M
April 2017
Research Grant Awards Committee approved six the research grants and 1 received the publication grant.
Recipients were:
- Dr. Antonio L. Dans for paper entitled “INTERSTROKE – Importance of Conventional and Emerging Risk Factors for Stroke in Different Regions of the World and in Different Ethnic Groups: A Case-Control Study”
- Dr. Ma. Salome N. Vios for her research proposal entitled “The Role of Computer-based Multimedia Presentation in Research Participants’ Understanding of the Informed Consent in Clinical Trials
Training Grants (Post-Residency and Fellowship)
January 2009 to June 2024
UP-PGH PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGICAL CRANIOFACIAL OPERATING UNIT (PNCOU) FUND:
- Linkage with Gabriel Symphony Foundation to support the PGH Pediatric Neurosurgical Craniofacial Operating Unit (PNCOU) Project, for free surgical operations of young indigent patients with congenital anomalies, with Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi as chief proponent.
- Financial Assistance to the PGH Pediatric Neurosurgical Craniofacial Operating Unit (PNCOU), for the allowance of the Nursing Staff and to subsidize the surgical operations of young indigent children with congenital malformations of the brain, spinal cord and face. Donations are solicited from individual donors and corporations thru the Fund-Raising Project entitled “Two More Kids.”
- Memorandum of Agreement with The Rughnath and Sarda Foundation to support the PGH Pediatric Neurosurgical Craniofacial Operating Unit (PNCOU) Project for the nursing complement who will fill up the lack of manpower in the unit to ensure timely surgeries of patients with various congenital malformations of the Central Nervous System.
- Renovation of the Operating Room of PNCOU sponsored by Cool Spot Dairy Foods, Inc. through MOA with M.A.C. Torres Enterprises, Inc. for a grant of P270,000.00
- Procurement of Aesculap Minop Set Neuro Endoscope for PNCOU Project thru a donation of P580,000.00; and Renovation of the PGH Operating Room for the PNCOU
- Donation of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts to the charity patients of UP-PGH NSS.
February 2010
Financial assistance to PGH Pediatric Neurology patients – Nathaniel Fund:
- Procurement of 34 pieces of Ventriculo-Peritoneal (VP) Shunts for charity patients with Hydrocephalus
- Procurement of 2 Kits of Becker Extra-ventricular Drainage Monitoring System
July 2011
Financial loan assistance for Post-Residency Clinical Fellowship in Epilepsy at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Recipient: Dr. Rio Carla F.Pineda
February 2013 – September 2022
The UP-PGH Neurosurgery Residents’ Fund amounting to P129,098.25 was granted on September 14, 2022. The fund started on February 28, 2013 from the donation given by Professor Fernando Diaz, and it continued as a fund for the training of NSS resident physicians.
August 2014
Financial loan for Fellowship Training in Melbourne, Australia as a Neuromuscular Fellow at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Recipient: Dr. Loudella V. Calotes-Castillo
December 2015
Funding of Fellowship Training a neurology resident from Makati Medical Center to pursue sub-specialization training in Epilepsy and EEG in University of Pavia Institute of Neurology, Italy
Recipient: Dr. Joyce Ann D.C. Macasaet
Training Grants (Neurology Residency)
February 2014
UP-PGH Neurosurgery Residents’ Fund:
Initial Donations came from Professor Fernando Diaz, Dr. Stephanie Cheok, and Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi.
- Training Grant given to UP-PGH Neurosurgery Resident Physicians, for their Microanastomosis Workshop held on February 3-5, 2014 in line with the Section’s Visiting Neurosurgical Professor Lecture.
- Training Grant, 5th Year UP-PGH Neurosurgery Resident Physician for his attendance to the 10thAnniversary Course in Pediatric Neurosurgery, Asian Australasian Advanced Course in Singapore. Recipient: Dr. Ronnie E. Baticulon
- Financial support for Workshop/Lecture of Dr. Michel S. Berger, a leading expert in Intraoperative Brain Mapping for motor, sensory, language function, and demonstrated awake brain surgery for the first time in the Philippines.
- Training Grant for Adult Neurology Resident, who delivered a participant presentation at the MDS-AOS Basic Scientists Summer School in Taipei, Taiwan
Recipient: Dr. Gerald Raimon M. Saranz
January 2013 – May 2020
Grant Agreement with Children’s Hour Philippines, Inc. (CHPI) to support the Projects entitled “Better Life: Improving the Condition of Children With Epilepsy,” “Kids Can Conquer Cancer” and “Saving Our Children with Brain Tumor,” with Dr. Aida M. Salonga as Project Leader. The beneficiaries of these projects are PGH Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery charity patients with brain tumor and epilepsy. A total of 51 children with brain tumor and 171 children with epilepsy benefited from these grants
January 2019
10 research grants of P30,000.00 each to residents in training to support the PNA and AFN research programs.
June 2019
- Educational Grant for the attendance to the 15thCongress of World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, held in Naples, Italy.
Recipient: Dr. Carlos Francis A. Santiago Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between Partners’ ChoiceMed Inc. (PCMI) and BRAIN to assist in the training and development of physicians in the specialized field of Neurosurgery and allied fields, and to provide fellowship training support for international conferences.
May – June 2018
Financial assistance for UP-PGH NSS Residents’ Training Program for Partial reimbursement of expenses incurred as by a senior resident
Dr. Alaric Emmanuel M. Salonga as Visiting Scholar at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Dept. of Neurological Surgery
May 2018
MMC Neuroscience Training and Research Program:
A generous donation from Mr. Jose A. Bacud, Jr., in May 7, 2018, thru BRAIN, INC (as fund administrator), dedicated for use by the MMC Neuroscience training and research programs.
October 2019
Travel grant given to Dr. Edrome F. Hernandez of the Manila Doctors Hospital for his paper “Admission Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as predictive factor in the outcome of acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage” presented in the XXIV World Congress of Neurology in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
November 2019
- Grants for Registration Fees of 18 Adult Neurology Residents and 1 Fellow for the PNA Neurological Convention held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
- Financial assistance for UP-PGH NSS Residents’ Training Program for the Participation of the residents at the Inaugural Asia-Pacific Low Grade Glioma Network Meeting held at the National University Hospital in Singapore.
May 2020
Sponsorship of the Myasthenia Gravis Philippines Support Group/ MG Clinic in the UP-PGH Department of Neurosciences to procure Mestinon (Pyridostigmine Bromide) for the Myasthenia Gravis Charity patients.
Board of Trustees 2023-2026
Regular Members
DR. RAQUEL M. ALVAREZ
DR. FE ENRILE-BACSAL
DR. ZENAIDA G. BAGABALDO
DR. JULETTE-MARIE F. BATARA
DR. ESTER S. BITANGA
DR. MARTHA L. BOLAÑOS
DR. LEONOR CABRAL- LIM
DR. REGINA MACALINTAL-CANLAS
DR. CARLOS L. CHUA
DR. MA. EPIFANIA V. COLLANTES
DR. RAYMOND L. ESPINOSA
DR. ROBERT N. GAN
DR. BENILDA SANCHEZ-GAN
DR. NANETTE DOMINGO-REYES
DR. MA. GERALDINE S. ESPIRITU
DR. LOURDES K. LEDESMA
DR. GERARDO D. LEGASPI
DR. WILLY G. LOPEZ
DR.MARIA ANTONIA AURORA MORAL-VALENCIA
DR. MARILYN H. ORTIZ
DR. MARTESIO C. PEREZ
DR. KATERINA TANYA B. PEREZ-GOSIENGFIAO
DR. PHILIP A. RAMIRO
DR. JOSE PACIANO BALTAZAR T. REYES
DR. GODFREY T. ROBENIOL
DR. JOSE A. ROBLES
DR. ARTEMIO A. ROXAS, JR.
DR. PROF. CYNTHIA P. SALOMA
DR. DR. ROSALIA A. TELEG
DR. MA. SALOME N. VIOS
Working Committees
Membership: Dr. Jesus Nigos and Dr. Marie Antoinette Dellosa
Website: Dr. Marc Laurence Fernandez and Dr. Marie Antoinette Dellosa
Neuroscience Research: Dr. Paul Pasco and Dr. Cymbeline Santiago
Neuroscience Training: Dr. Christian Wilson Turalde and Dr. Carissa Paz Dioquino
Fund Sourcing and Donor Relations: Dr. Hazel Zuellig and Dr. Aida Salonga
Partnerships and Collaborations with other Neuroscience organizations: Dr. Cymbeline Santiago
Roll of Donors
The following individuals and organizations have generously given their support to The Brain Foundation of the Philippines since its inception in 1979 to the present day. Their steadfast belief in our ideals and their benevolence, through the years, have enabled the BRAIN to accomplish its mission and realize its goals. We are eternally grateful for your contributions.
Novartis Healthcare
Hi-Eisai Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Mr. Jose A. Bacud, Jr.
Partners’ Choice Med Inc. (PCMI)
Prof. Fernando Diaz
Dr. Stephanie Cheok
Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi
Children’s Hour Philippines, Inc. (CHPI)
Gabriel Symphony Foundation
The Rughnath and Sarda Foundation
M.A.C. Torres Enterprises, Inc.
Dr. Robert Gan and Dr. Benilda Sanchez-Gan
Mr. Iskander Namazie (Nathaniel Fund)
Dr. Aida M. Salonga
Braun Medical Supplies, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard and Sharleen Godiaco
Mrs. Consuelo Osorio Coson
Mr. Marc and Ms. Divine Reyes
Ms. Ma. Divina Reyes and Friends
Ms. Martina Rafaella Reyes
Ms. Mikaela Vittoria Reyes
Mr. Warren Yu
PERKCOMM INC.
Dr. Martesio C. Perez
Dr. Lourdes K. Ledesma
Dr. Carlos L. Chua
Mr. Joel Trinidad
Ms. Shirley Tiu
Ms. Marina Gil
Ms. Melanie Pernia
DOT and PIXEL CORP.
UPMASA – Chicago Illinois Chapter
Sanofi-Aventis (Philippines), Inc.
Zuellig Pharma Corporation
Ms. Anita Rilloraza, c/o Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino
Ricardo and Victoria Lim
Mr. Reuben Gil and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Nikolas and Jhoanna Modesto
Mr. & Mrs. Winston Cheong, Family & Friends
Seahorse Realty Corp.
UPMASA c/o Dr. Henry and Susan Echeverri
Ms. Gia Narciso
Ms. Nora L. Morado
Ms. Sharleen Uy Godiaco
Medichem Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Natrapharm Inc.
Patriot Pharmaceutical Corp.
Christian Life Community
Ms. Lily Tan
Mr. CJ Salvador
Mr. Howard Tatel
Mr. Mark Homer Uy
Mr. Ruben and Ms. Marina Gil
Ms. Caesarea Uyehara
Mr. Gilbert Go
Dr. David and Mrs. Luzdivina Gil
Dr. Nenette S. Madero-My Liitle Attic Ent.
PGH-Section of Neurosurgery
Angelo King Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Kathryn Sia
Ms. Nanette A. Morata
Dr. Donald and Imelda Mc Cain
Ms. Lourdes M. Hidalgo
Ms. Mediatrix V. Mondragon
Ms. Mae Ann Keske and Friends
Pharma Nutria N.A. Inc.
V. More Pharma
Sea King Pharma
Cathay Pharma
Steinback Products, inc.
One Pharma
Intermed Marketing
Genace Pharma
Detoxicare
Delex Pharma
Corbridge Group Phils.
Cathay YSS
Terramedic, Inc.
Boehringer Ingelheim (Phil.) Inc.
Auto Zoom Zoom Inc.
MG Prime
Willore Pharma Corp.
JW Healthcare Phils. Corp.
United Laboratories, Inc. (LRI)
Glenmark Phils., Inc.
Pharex Health Corp.
Servier Phils. Inc.
Sandoz
Johnson & Johnson (Phils.), Inc.
Menarini Philippines, Inc.
Cathay Drug Company, Inc.
Abbott Laboratories
Aspen Phils. Inc.
Pfizer Inc.
Takeda Healthcare Phils. Inc.
Mundipharma
Manly Plastics Inc.
RG Meditron, Inc.
Cool Spot Dairy Foods, Inc.
Smart Communications, Inc.
Dr. Go Chi Sing
Hizon Laboratories Inc. – c/o Dr. Ma. Pompeia Hizon
Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas
United Airlines Ben Flyin Adventure
Copyer Enterprises Corp.
Seahorse Realty
Northern Christian College
Metro Dry Clean Ventures, Inc.
Ms. Alma Bartolome-Caleon
Senator Mar Roxas
Ms. Grace Chua
Access Pieces Exports, Inc.
Mr. Ernest Villareal, Aboitiz Transport System
Mr. & Mrs. Magtanggol Bawal
Sycip Salazar Et Al
Anonymous-In Honor of Pres. Cory Aquino
Colegio San Agustin High School Class 1983
The Lodge of St. George
First Pinnacle Trading Corp.
Mr. Vicente and Ms. Janette Co
Colorite Marketing Corporation
The Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation, Inc.
MMC Department of Pediatrics-c/o Dr. Myrna S. Fojas
Mama Gie Corp.
Dr. Loreta Cabanos
Mr. J. Bernardo
Reyes Family and Friends
Luis, Patricia and Sandro Trota
Mr. Ruben Gil and Family
Mr. Gab and Migo Ramos
Family and Friends of Mark and Divine Reyes
Watford Filipino Community in UK
Ms. Christabelle Ebriega
Mr. Ricardo & Ms. Victoria Lim
Ms. Jennifer Lim
Oblation Health Care
Han Seo Pharma
Mr. Ramon Antonio
Ms. Armela Ham
GlaxoSmithKline
Xeno Pharmaceutical Inc.
Thera Pharma
Mrs. Beatriz Zobel De Ayala
Ayala Foundation Inc.
Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Inovail Healthcare (Philippines), Inc.
Famed Co., Inc.
Computerized Imaging Institute
Pinoy Ultra Runners
Mr. Lucio Tan
Dr. Schenley Co
Dr. Jose Leonard R. Pascual
Mr. Edward Gacerez
Mr. Benjamin de Asis
First Associated Medical Distribution Co., Inc.
Dr. Maria Corazon M. Danguilan
Dr. Anita S. Pascua
Mr. Manny Zamora
Ms. Teresita Cruz Sison
Ms. Conchita Tiu
Rosario De Ibazeta Family
History
BRAIN, Inc. originally was named Foundation for the Advancement of Neurological Sciences, Inc. This is the brainchild of a group of pioneer Filipino neuroscientists who returned to the country after training abroad, specializing in different fields of the neurosciences. They committed themselves to promote the professional development of Filipino neuroscientists, and to support Neuroscience research in the country, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of neurological care of Filipino patients, particularly the underserved.
Dr. Martesio C. Perez, together with the prominent specialists in the different fields of neurosciences, namely, Dr. Benjamin D. Adapon ( neuroradiology), Dr. Bienvenido B. Aldanese ( neurosurgery), and Dr. Renato Q. Sibayan ( neurosurgery), were the founding fathers of the foundation. Together with the “founders”, the other original incorporators were: Dr. Zenaida G. Bagabaldo ( neurophysiology), Dr. Eric P. Flores ( neurosurgery), Dr. Regina Macalintal-Canlas ( neurology), Mr. Roberto N. Bacsal (businessman), and Atty. Samuel T. Bañez.
BRAIN was duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 1979, as a private non-stock, non-profit organization, and was granted accreditation by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) on October 12, 2006, as a “Donee Institution”. On October 5, 2012, BRAIN passed PCNC standards and was granted certification for donee institution status. BIR Certificate of Registration No. 117-2012 was issued on November 12, 2012.
Board of Trustees
Current Board of Trustees
THE LIST OF OFFICERS / BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BRAIN FOUNDATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (BRAIN), INC. WHO WERE INDUCTED ON JULY 22, 2023 AT THE MAKATI GARDEN CLUB ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Past Projects
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
For the past 42 years since its establishment on October 2, 1979, BRAIN has carried out its mission in promoting the development of the field of neurosciences in the country to improve the neurological care of Filipinos. BRAIN provided support for research activities and training of physicians and allied professionals in the neurosciences. BRAIN has also extended support for the funding of diagnostic and therapeutic services for indigent neurological patients.
The following are the accomplishments of BRAIN:
I. On Research and Training
- BRAIN RESEARCH GRANTS:
- The 2019 Brain Foundation of the Philippines Grants for Research Proposals:
Board Resolution dated January 16, 2019 was implemented to offer 10 research grants of P30,000.00 each to residents in training to support the PNA and AFN research programs. This is in line with the purpose of the Brain Foundation in promoting quality research in the field of Neurosciences. The Panel of Judges were: Dr. Artemio A. Roxas, Jr., Dr. Ma. Epifania V. Collantes, Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino-Maligaso, and Dr. Paul Matthew D. Pasco. There were 10 recipients of the grant.The 2017 Brain Foundation of the Philippines Grants for Research Proposals:
The Panel of Judges were: Dr. Artemio A. Roxas, Jr., Dr. Ma. Epifania V. Collantes, Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino-Maligaso, and Dr. Godfrey T. Robeniol. Six received the research grants and 1 received the publication grant. - The Research Grant Awards Committee approved the awarding of the grant to partly support the research proposal of Dr. Antonio L. Dans entitled “INTERSTROKE – Importance of Conventional and Emerging Risk Factors for Stroke in Different Regions of the World and in Different Ethnic Groups: A Case-Control Study” – P100,000.00 grant was awarded.
- PGH Dept. of Neurosciences Research Grant for the Research Proposal of Dr. Dexter De Castro entitled “Low-Glycemic Index Diets for Better Sugar Control Among Diabetics with Stroke (The Logistic Trial)” – P 50,000.00 grant was awarded.
- Research Grant was given to Dr. Ma. Salome N. Vios for her research proposal entitled “The Role of Computer-based Multimedia Presentation in Research Participants’ Understanding of the Informed Consent in Clinical Trials.” P50,000.00 grant was awarded.
- Travel grant was given for the poster presentation of the research paper entitled “Admission Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as predictive factor in the outcome of acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage” by Dr. Edrome F. Hernandez from Manila Doctors Hospital, presented in the XXIV World Congress of Neurology in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on October 27-31, 2019.
- The book entitled ‘Compendium of Philippine Neuroscience Researches” was launched by The Brain Foundation of the Philippines (BRAIN), Inc. on March 16, 2008 at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The BRAIN Research Committee compiled 610 abstracts of Neuroscience researches done in the Philippines from 1985 to 2005, to guide researchers on where to focus and get base-line data. The publication of this compendium is one of the major endeavors of BRAIN in fulfilling its mission of improving the neurological health care of our people through research.
- During the first years of BRAIN existence, it has financially supported the research papers presented by Neurology resident physicians in the PNA Conventions, including the diagnostic procedures of the research patients. Funds were allotted for scientific research and development, as approved by the Board of Trustees.
- The 2019 Brain Foundation of the Philippines Grants for Research Proposals:
- RESIDENCY AND POST RESIDENCY TRAINING GRANTS:
- Novartis Healthcare for the Educational grant, Fellowship Training support for PGH Pediatric Neurology.
- Memorandum of Agreement with Hi-Eisai Pharmaceutical, Inc, for Sponsorship of Educational Grant, to help improve the practice of Pediatric Neurology in the Philippines in the amount of P180,000.00.
- MMC Neuroscience Training and Research Program:
P400,000.00 donation from Mr. Jose A. Bacud, Jr., in May 7, 2018, thru BRAIN, INC as the administrator of this fund, dedicated for use by the MMC Neuroscience training and research programs. - Educational Grant for the attendance to the 10th Congress of the European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT) at Acropolis Convention Center, Nice, France on September 6-8, 2018, per Memorandum of Agreement dated June 20, 2018.
- Educational Grant for the attendance to the 15th Congress of World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, held in Naples, Italy on October 21-24, 2019, per Memorandum of Agreement dated July 31, 2019. – P282,600.00.
(The MOA dated June 28, 2019 was made and entered into by and between Partners’ ChoiceMed Inc. (PCMI) and BRAIN to assist in the training and development of physicians in the specialized field of Neurosurgery and allied fields, and to provide fellowship training support for international conferences.
- Linkage with the Dept. of Medicine, University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center (UPHDMC) to support their residency training program and research activities per:
- Memorandum of Agreement dated August 3, 2016, Project: CODE RED: Simplifying the Complicated on Blood and Malignancies.
- Project: Clinical Pearls of I.M. (Memorandum of Agreement dated Nov. 8, 2017)
(BRAIN, Inc. was the fund administrator for these projects, related to the training of residents in internal medicine)
- UP-PGH Neurosurgery Residents’ Fund:
- Initial Donations came from Professor Fernando Diaz, Dr. Stephanie Cheok, and Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi for the UP-PGH Neurosurgery Residents’ Fund.
- Grants Awardees:
- Training Grant given to UP-PGH Neurosurgery Resident Physicians, for their Microanastomosis Workshop held on February 3-5, 2014 in line with the Section’s Visiting Neurosurgical Professor Lecture.
- Training Grant, 5th Year UP-PGH Neurosurgery Resident Physician for his attendance to the 10th Anniversary Course in Pediatric Neurosurgery, Asian Australasian Advanced Course in Singapore.
- Financial support for the UP-PGH Neurosurgery Residents’ Training Program to defray expenses during the Workshop/Lecture of Dr. Michel S. Berger, a leading expert in Intraoperative Brain Mapping for motor, sensory, language function, and demonstrated awake brain surgery for the first time in the Philippines.
- Financial assistance for UP-PGH NSS Residents’ Training Program:
Participation of the residents at the Inaugural Asia-Pacific Low Grade Glioma Network Meeting on November 1-2, 2019 held at the National University Hospital in Singapore. – P40,000.00 - Financial assistance for UP-PGH NSS Residents’ Training Program
Partial reimbursement of expenses incurred as by a senior resident as Visiting Scholar at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Dept. of Neurological Surgery where Dr. Mitchel S. Berger, Chairman of the Dept. of Neurosurgery of UCSF was the faculty host from May 17, 2018 to June 17, 2018. - Training Grant for Adult Neurology Resident, who delivered a participant presentation at the MDS-AOS Basic Scientists Summer School in Taipei, Taiwan on July 13-15, 2014.
- Registration Fees of 18 Adult Neurology Residents and 1 Fellow for the PNA Neurological Convention on November 13-16, 2019 at Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, was disbursed per Board Resolution dated October 15, 2019. P57,500.00 grant was awarded
- POST RESIDENCY FELLOWSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM:
- Financial loan assistance for Post-Residency Clinical Fellowship in Epilepsy at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Memorandum of Agreement was approved and signed on December 14, 2015 for the Fellowship Training a neurology resident from Makati Medical Center to pursue sub-specialization training in Epilepsy and EEG in University of Pavia Institute of Neurology, Italy, with confirmation from Prof. Emilio Perucca
- Financial loan for Fellowship Training in Melbourne, Australia as a Neuromuscular Fellow at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
- Recipients of the Post Residency Fellowship Training Program through the years have been successful in their fields of specialization, sharing their expertise in the training of younger colleagues, and also giving back their services to the Filipino people. Seventeen (17) post residents have also availed of this training program, and BRAIN disbursed a total amount of P1,480,000.00 for this purpose.
- BRAIN RESEARCH GRANTS:
II. Patient Care Programs
- UP-PGH PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY FUND FOR CHPI PROJECTS:Grant Agreement with Children’s Hour Philippines, Inc. (CHPI) to support the Projects entitled “Better Life: Improving the Condition of Children With Epilepsy,” “Kids Can Conquer Cancer” and “Saving Our Children with Brain Tumor,” with Dr. Aida M. Salonga as Project Leader. The beneficiaries of these projects are PGH Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery charity patients with brain tumor and epilepsy. This grant agreement started in January 2013 until the start of the pandemic. Annual Reports, Project Proposals, Progress Reports, Terminal Reports and other requirements were submitted to CHPI. A total of P3,008,000.00 was awarded to the projects entitled “Saving Our Children with Brain Tumor,” and “Kids Can Conquer Cancer Year 2 and Year 3;” and a total of P2,010,000.00 to project entitled “Better Life: Improving the Condition of Children with Epilepsy,” or a Grand Total of CHPI grants amounting to P5,018,000.00. A total of 51 children with brain tumor and 171 children with epilepsy benefited from these grants. However, in May 2020, CHPI informed us of the decision of the CHPI Board to close because of the pandemic.
- UP-PGH PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGICAL CRANIOFACIAL OPERATING UNIT (PNCOU) FUND:
- Linkage with Gabriel Symphony Foundation to support the PGH Pediatric Neurosurgical Craniofacial Operating Unit (PNCOU) Project, for free surgical operations of young indigent patients with congenital anomalies, with Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi as chief proponent.
- Financial Assistance to the PGH Pediatric Neurosurgical Craniofacial Operating Unit (PNCOU), for the allowance of the Nursing Staff and to subsidize the surgical operations of young indigent children with congenital malformations of the brain, spinal cord and face. Donations are solicited from individual donors and corporations thru the Fund-Raising Project entitled “Two More Kids.”
- Memorandum of Agreement with The Rughnath and Sarda Foundation to support the PGH Pediatric Neurosurgical Craniofacial Operating Unit (PNCOU) Project for the nursing complement who will fill up the lack of manpower in the unit to ensure timely surgeries of patients with various congenital malformations of the Central Nervous System. The grant amount was P1,000,000.00
- Renovation of the Operating Room of PNCOU sponsored by Cool Spot Dairy Foods, Inc. through MOA with M.A.C. Torres Enterprises, Inc. for a grant of P270,000.00
- Procurement of Aesculap Minop Set Neuro Endoscope for PNCOU Project thru a donation of P580,000.00; and Renovation of the PGH Operating Room for the PNCOU Project amounting to P184,000.00 from the Gabriel Symphony Foundation fund.
- Donation of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts to the charity patients of UP-PGH NSS.
- PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
- Sponsorship of the Myasthenia Gravis Philippines Support Group/ MG Clinic
- The UP-PGH Department of Neurosciences has requested funds to procure Mestinon (Pyridostigmine Bromide) for the Myasthenia Gravis Charity patients. Per Board Resolution No. 2020-01, the Board of Trustees approved a total amount of P45,712.50. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino-Maligaso paid for 1,150 pieces of Mestinon, and the foundation reimbursed her expenses.
- Financial assistance to PGH Pediatric Neurology patients – Nathaniel Fund:
Procurement of 34 pieces of Ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) Shunts from Surgicare Corporation, with 10 % discount, for charity patients with Hydrocephalus – P290,700.00Procurement of 2 Kits of Becker Extra-ventricular Drainage Monitoring System – P23,000.00 - Financial assistance to PGH Pediatric Neurology patients (for 2011):
Twenty Four (24) PGH charity patients were given free diagnostic and therapeutic procedures amounting to P239,252.50.Financial Assistance to PGH Adult Neurology patients:
Eleven (11) patients were given free diagnostic procedures amounting to P312,952.50. - Financial support to PGH PNCOU (through Gabriel Symphony Foundation) for surgical operations of indigent patients with congenital anomalies, and to all enrolled beneficiaries of the CHPI Projects at the PGH Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery. Over the years, the charity patients with congenital anomalies, brain tumors, and epilepsy have received support through the BRAIN Inc. (Please see attached Spreadsheets on the updated Utilization of PNCOU FUND 2021-2022 AND CHPI PROJECTS 2019-2021).
- Twenty one (21) PGH charity patients have also benefited from BRAIN for the years 2001 to 2005, amounting to P297,650.00.
III. To support its activities, the Brain Foundation conducted other fund-raising events, solicited donations and grants from sponsors, for the administrative expenses as most of our fund donations were dedicated funds, either for research, training, or patient care.
- Redemption of 280,000 shares of Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. in the amount of P755,692.00 for the support of projects and operational expenses of the Foundation.
- Sale of the Cityland Condominium 10 Office of the Foundation on November 15, 2013 to support the ongoing projects, and decrease the monthly operational expenses. The sale was made possible through the help of Mr. Antonio S. Basa, broker of Globex, and the Buyer is Collective Project Management, Inc., Mr. Teodoro K. Katigbak, President. The fund generated from this sale are as follows: P2,300,000.00 (Less Withholding Taxes of P191,334.00, Broker’s Commission of P69,000.00, and Mobilization Expenses of P17,000.00). Net Proceeds = P2,022,666.00.
- Dr. Robert Gan (Neurology) and Dr. Benilda Sanchez-Gan (Pediatric Neurology) solicited funds from Mr. Iskander Namazie (Nathaniel Fund) in the amount of P349,000.00 for the diagnostic procedures of Pediatric Neurology charity patients like CT Scan, Cranial MRI, 4-Vessel Angiography, and procurement of Ventriculo-peritoneal Shunts.
- Dr. Robert Gan (Neurology) and Dr. Benilda Sanchez-Gan (Pediatric Neurology) were awarded a Plaque of Appreciation during a special meeting held on November 19, 2008 at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. A total donation of P327,230.00 was collected during their wedding. Additional donation of P250,000.00 was also remitted by Dr. Robert Gan and Dr. Benilda Sanchez-Gan.
- Fund from the “Testimonial” for Dr. Aida M. Salonga’s retirement from the UPCM held at Buenafe Hall, UP College of Medicine last November 24, 2014. A total fund of P80,500.00 was raised.
- Administrative charges for funds deposited to BRAIN by the cited institutions and companies which were all supported by MOA between BRAIN and the partner entities.
IV. FUND MANAGEMENT
- Through the years, investment in shares of stocks were made through the F. Yap Securities, Inc., a Trust Fund was lodged to 2TradeAsia c/o Ms. Grace Cerdenia, and with Sun Life Prosperity Bond. BRAIN Funds are deposited to BPI-Pedro Gil Branch, Maxi One (Savings and Checking Account Combined) Account No. 4931-0037-18, and Checking Account No. 4931-0058-26 (for CHPI transactions only).
AIDA M. SALONGA. M.D.
President and Chair of the Board
The Brain Foundation of the Philippines (BRAIN), Inc.
Founders
Dr. Martesio Perez
Dr. Benjamin Adapon
Dr. Bienvenido Aldanese
Dr. Renato Sibayan
Inauguration and Oathtaking
Our
Mission
The Brain Foundation of the Philippines (BRAIN), Inc. shall raise the standard of Neuroscience research in the country by providing research funding, and shall ensure that the output of our researches benefit Filipinos, especially the marginalized.
Our
Vision
Neurosciences can have access to the state-of-the-art research support towards the advancement of the Neurosciences in the Philippines.