July 13, 2026 — Philippines — The Child Focus Mapping of Interventions for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the Philippines (ChildMIND) conducted a series of exploratory online meetings with key stakeholders to introduce the project, discuss its objectives, and explore opportunities for partnership. These meetings were held with the Philippine Academy of Occupational Therapists (PAOT) on May 7, 2026, the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) on May 8, 2026, the Philippine Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (PASP) on May 22, 2026, and the Philippine Physical Therapy Association (PPTA) on July 9, 2026.
From left to right: (up) Althea Brianna O. Zialcita - Research Assistant of ChildMIND, Sarah Jane A. Jimenez, MD, DPPS - Project Leader of ChildMIND, (down) Dr. Ivan Neil B. Gomez, MAED, OTR, OT, OTRP, FPAOT - PAOT representative, and Kimberly C. Pañares - Project Manager of AYUHON Program.
From left to right: (up) Ms. Cecile Sicam - ASP Secretary, Sarah Jane A. Jimenez, MD, DPPS - Project Leader of ChildMIND, (down) Althea Brianna O. Zialcita - Research Assistant of ChildMIND, and Engr. Eduardo D. Piedad, Jr., AYUHON Program Leader.
From left to right: (up) Althea Brianna O. Zialcita - Research Assistant of ChildMIND, Sarah Jane A. Jimenez, MD, DPPS - Project Leader of ChildMIND, Dr. Ferdiliza Dandah S. Garcia - PASP President (down) John Arden Romanillos - PASP External affairs Chair and Maria Ianna Carmen Samson - PASP Continuing Education & research Committee
From left to right: (up) Teacher Christian Eidref G. Santos, PTRP, CPMT - PPTA Head externals, of Pediatric SIG, Dr. Sarah Jane A. Jimenez, MD, DPPS - Project Leader of ChildMIND, Althea Brianna O. Zialcita - Research Assistant of ChildMIND, (down) Phoebe Nicole G. Perez, Ph.D., S&T Fellow DOST-PCHRD, and Engr. Jacqueline De Vera-Noche, S&T Fellow DOST-MIRDC.
The discussions focused on identifying areas for collaboration, gathering stakeholder insights, and strengthening partnerships that will support the development and implementation of the ChildMIND project. As ChildMIND continues to expand its network of partners, the project remains committed to building strong multidisciplinary partnerships that will enhance the scope, relevance, and impact of this initiative. The team recognizes that the expertise and dedication of its partner organizations are essential in ensuring that ChildMIND effectively addresses the needs of Filipino children with neurodevelopmental disorders through evidence-based and stakeholder-informed solutions.