Quality Neurological Care For All. Anytime. Anywhere.
secretariat@philippineneurologicalassociation.com
www.philippineneurologicalassociation.com
EVENT VENUE
VIGAN CONVENTION CENTER
A. Reyes St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
At the heart of heritage and progress — the Vigan Convention Center rises as a symbol of continuity, where the rich legacy of Ilocos Sur meets the energy of modern collaboration. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Vigan’s UNESCO-recognized landscape, it serves not only as a venue, but as a living space for dialogue, discovery, and shared purpose.
Here, beneath the echoes of cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, ideas converge, partnerships are forged, and communities come together to shape a better future. It is where culture is preserved, innovation is welcomed, and every gathering becomes part of a larger story — one that honors the past while moving boldly forward.
MESSAGE FROM THE PNA PRESIDENT
JOSEPHINE CASANOVA-GUTIERREZ, MD FPNA
President, Philippine Neurological Association, 2026
Dear Colleagues in the Philippine Neurological Association,
Once again we gather for our Midyear Convention which will be held at the Vigan Convention Center in Vigan, Ilocos Sur this June 4-6, 2026 with the theme, “Shaping the Brain for a Healthy Nation-Creativity, Clarity and Care”. This theme emphasizes the role of brain health and brain care in nation-building. Our lifestyle and practice as neurologists in the present milieu is endangered by excessive information and disinformation, exposure to external and internal stress brought on by national and global crises and by the modern-day demands for our time and attention. Safeguarding the brain health of doctors and patients amounts to more focus, creativity and productivity. The PNA Midyear Convention was originally designed by our founding members not just as a scientific meeting exclusively for the Fellows of the PNA, but also for discussions of relevant issues within the Association and for promoting camaraderie – hence, the scientific program is often lighter in content, and ample time is provided for discussions in the business meetings and for fellowship in social, cultural and team-building activities.
I would like to thank the PNA Midyear Convention Organizing Committee led by Dr. Jona Handumon who worked hard to make this convention a reality, overcoming obstacles brought on by recent world-wide crisis. I would also like to thank Dr. Joan Viado for her leadership, and the very hospitable and energetic local Organizing Committee consisting of PNA Fellows from the Ilocos Region who were all instrumental in covering the details of the local preparations for accommodations, transport and design of the social activities and tours. The Scientific Committee, under the chairmanship of Dr. Corina Macalintal, has lined up a variety of interesting and relevant topics which I hope will help us address neurologic myths being peddled in social media, as well as the highly anticipated expositions on brain and its development. “How do we separate the chaff from the grain? How do we cope?” These are the questions we want answered in the Scientific Program.
Please consider taking some time off from your daily routines and enjoy the cultural heritage and the old world charm of historic Vigan. We are looking forward to meeting you!
MESSAGE FROM THE OVERALL CONVENTION CHAIR
JONA CARABAL-HANDUMON, MD FPNA
Overall Convention Chair, 32nd PNA Midyear Convention
Secretary, Philippine Neurological Association, 2026
“Healthy Brain, Healthy Nation: From Awareness to Action”
In today’s digital and social media–driven world, misinformation has become a powerful determinant of health behavior. Nowhere is this more evident than in neurology, where myths, unverified treatments, cultural beliefs, and fear-based narratives strongly influence how individuals perceive brain health, neurological illness, and medical care. Conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, dementia, headache disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions are often surrounded by misconceptions—leading to delayed consultations, refusal of evidence-based treatment, poor adherence, and preventable disability or death. In the Philippines, where access to reliable health information varies widely and traditional beliefs remain influential, neurologists are increasingly challenged not only to treat disease but to guide patients and communities through conflicting information.
This theme emphasizes the evolving role of neurologists as trusted guides, educators, and advocates—bridging science and society. “Shaping the Brain for a Healthy Nation” underscores the responsibility of the neurologists to confront misinformation with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based communication. It calls for strengthening health literacy, empowering patients and families to make informed decisions, and reinforcing trust in medical science.
Ultimately, a healthy nation begins with a healthy brain, informed choices, and collective commitment to truth. By addressing misinformation head-on, neurology plays a vital role in protecting brain health, reducing preventable neurological burden, and advancing a healthier, more resilient Filipino nation.
MESSAGE FROM THE SCIENTIFIC CHAIR
CORINA MACALINTAL, MD FPNA
Scientific Chair, 32nd PNA Midyear Convention
Dear Colleagues,
As the Scientific Program Chair, it is my privilege to invite you to the 32nd PNA Midyear Convention, where we have thoughtfully designed a program that reflects both the realities and evolving demands of contemporary neurological practice. We hope that this year’s meeting goes beyond the usual update of knowledge. We have made it an opportunity to re-examine how we care for the brain — both in our patients and in ourselves. While we consistently advocate for brain health, the demands of our profession often make it difficult to apply them personally. Through evidence-based sessions on stress, sleep, nutrition, music and exercise, we aim to bridge this gap.
Importantly, this program also introduces emerging perspectives on creativity as a tool for brain health. Topics on neuroart and photography highlights how talents we may have set aside can, in fact, contribute meaningfully to cognitive resilience and professional well-being. In parallel, we confront one of the most pressing issues of our time: the rise of misinformation and weak or misleading evidence. Through focused discussions on digital health, critical appraisal, and clinical communication, we aim to strengthen our ability to reclaim clinical authority and guide our patients with clarity and confidence. The “Fact vs Fictitious” segment further reinforces this goal by revisiting common clinical practices and assumptions across subspecialties — clarifying evidences, strengthening current evidence-based approaches, and encouraging local researches where more relevant evidences are needed.
Ultimately, this convention brings us together with a shared purpose: to grow in our practice, while we also care for ourselves, and serve our patients better — thereby helping build a healthier nation. This is the essence of our theme: Shaping the Brain for a Healthy Nation.” We look forward to making this convention truly special and meaningful —- with your participation.
