The 2026 ALRAN Forum marked World Brain Day with presentations, government representatives, and a challenge to view brain health as a national priority.
A portrait of Dr. Alfredo “Alran” Bengzon, for whom the ALRAN Forum is named.
By Mark Anthony Sta. Maria
In celebration of World Brain Day, the Philippine Neurological Association (PNA) launched the inaugural Advancing Leadership, Research, and Advocacy in Neurology (ALRAN) Forum on July 22, 2026, in Manila. More than a commemorative event, the forum was established as a permanent platform where leaders from medicine, government, academia, research institutions, civil society, patient groups, and the private sector could work together toward better neurological health for every Filipino.
The forum honored the enduring legacy of Dr. Alfredo “Alran” Bengzon, one of the founding pioneers of Philippine neurology and a leader whose influence extended far beyond clinical medicine. A neurologist, educator, institution-builder, health care executive, public servant, and former secretary of health, Dr. Bengzon demonstrated throughout his life that the most difficult health problems could not be solved within the walls of hospitals alone. His leadership connected physicians with policymakers, hospitals with universities, government with civil society, and professional excellence with compassion and social responsibility.
This spirit of connection became the premise of the ALRAN Forum. Its goal is to transform dialogue into coordinated action, including:
- identifying gaps in neurological care
- developing practical solutions
- generating evidence
- influencing policy
- strengthening health systems
- ensuring timely, equitable, and high-quality neurological services throughout the country
Beginning with this inaugural gathering, the forum is envisioned as an annual World Brain Day event in the Philippines that will institutionalize multisectoral collaboration for brain health.
Presentations
Attendees listen to one of many guest speakers at the 2026 ALRAN Forum in Manila, Philippines.
The day’s presentations revealed both the progress and the unfinished work of Philippine neurology. Speakers described the increasing burden of neurological disorders and the persistent maldistribution of neurologists, training institutions, diagnostic facilities, and treatment resources. Philippine data demonstrated major disparities between public and private hospitals, particularly in stroke diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and outcomes.
Government representatives presented ongoing initiatives involving the Mental Health Act, the National Stroke Policy, regional brain and spinal care centers, the Mental Health Gap Action program, medicines access sites, benefit packages, health technology assessment, and the Philippine Brain Research Agenda. Together, these discussions emphasized that access to neurological care is determined not only by clinical expertise, but also by geography, financing, infrastructure, research capacity, referral systems, and the strength of primary health care.
Representatives from academia, business, and civil society further challenged participants to view brain health as a societal and developmental priority. The concept of “brain capital” highlighted how healthy brains, cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, and human skills contribute to national productivity and economic progress. Civil society perspectives returned the discussion to one of Dr. Bengzon’s most important questions: What about the people who never make it through the hospital door? The answer required moving beyond institution-centered care toward meaningful engagement with communities, local governments, patient advocates, and organizations that understand the lived realities of underserved Filipinos.
PNA Position Statement on Brain Health
Attendees of the 2026 ALRAN Forum.
The forum reached its climax during the facilitated panel discussion where participants began translating the day’s insights into concrete proposals. These included involving local governments and barangay health workers in prevention programs; integrating PNA regional chapters with regional councils for mental health; developing locally responsive provincial referral networks; assigning neurologist mentors to support primary health care workers; helping hospitals prepare technically sound proposals for facilities and equipment; and providing scholarships and training pathways for future neurologists from underserved regions.
The Philippine Neurological Association Position Statement on Brain Health, formally declaring the PNA’s aspiration to serve as the national steward of brain health in the country.
The discussions culminated in the presentation of the PNA Position Statement on Brain Health, formally declaring the PNA’s aspiration to serve as the national steward of brain health in the country. The statement called for a shift from reactive, disease-centered care toward lifelong brain health promotion, prevention, early recognition, timely intervention, and equitable access. Its five-point call to action committed the association to lead public awareness initiatives, advance meaningful research, embed preventive neurology into clinical practice, strengthen the capacity of health care professionals, and continually convene intersectoral partners.
The inaugural ALRAN Forum concluded not simply with a summary of discussions, but with a commitment to continuity. Each World Brain Day, the forum will bring sectors together to assess progress, strengthen partnerships, and transform knowledge into policies, programs, and measurable improvements in care. In honoring Dr. Bengzon, the PNA did more than remember an exceptional leader; it carried forward his conviction that health is a fundamental human right and that achieving it is a shared responsibility.
The ALRAN Forum in the Philippines now stands as both a tribute and a promise: an annual gathering in which leadership inspires collaboration, research guides policy, advocacy mobilizes communities, and collective action advances brain health for every Filipino. •
Mark Anthony Sta. Maria is co-chair of the ALRAN Forum 2026 for the Philippine Neurological Association.
