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In the 1980's, the first group of neurologists with subspecialty training in neurology started returning to the country from their fellowship studies in the United States. Eager to disseminate what they have learned to the local community of neurologists as well as to the public, together with some colleagues, they formed what used to be called "The Epilepsy Society of the Philippines". However, after two elections the society became inactive. Attempts to reactivate the organization did not materialize until 1996 with the initiative and efforts of Dr. Martesio Perez. Dr. Perez convened a core group consisting of former members of the society to reorganize the organization. Dr. Leonor Cabral-Lim, Dr. Josephine Gutierrez and Dr. Darwin Dasig were also invited to join the core group. Several other neurologists were also invited to join the group as the meetings went on. Certain restrictions from the Securities and Exchange Commission prevented the use of the former name of the organization, so the newly reorganized organization was re-named "PHILIPPINE LEAGUE AGAINST EPILEPSY". A Constitution and By-Laws was subsequently drafted by the group.
On June 18,1997 at the Mimosa Golf Resort in Angeles, Pampanga, the group opened the membership of the PLAE to the fellows of the Philippine Neurological Association during their Mid-Year Convention. The founding members totaled forty-one including the core group. Five officers were elected from among these founding members to form the Interim Executive Committee: Dr. Martesio Perez (President), Dr. Fe Bacsal (1st Vice-President), Dr. Felicidad Soto (2nd Vice-President), Dr. Leonor Cabral-Lim (Secretary-General), Dr. Josephine Gutierrez (Treasurer). An application for incorporation was sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission in December 1997. SEC certification was obtained on January 16, 1998.
On February 11, 1998 the PLAE Constitution and By-Laws was ratified by the General Assembly during a meeting at the Philippine Columbian Association. This ratified version of the Constitution was submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 1998.By November 1998, there were already 82 members. The First Annual Business Meeting was held at the EDSA Shangrila Hotel in Mandaluyong on November 22, 1998.In December 1998, the PLAE was given a probationary membership by the International League pending certain constitutional amendments. An emergency constitutional convention was held at the Pearl of the Pacific Resort at Boracay Island on May 28,1999 to address this issue. These constitutional amendments were finally submitted to the ILAE in May 1999. A month later the ILAE officially recognized the PLAE as the national chapter in the Philippines.
A Mission-Vision workshop was held on August 1999 at Heritage Hotel in Manila.
The PLAE was finally presented to the ILAE body and given full rights and privileges as a member during the International Epilepsy Congress in Prague, Czech Republic on September 1999.
In November 20, 1999 the first regular elections were held at the Westin Philippine Plaza.
Executive Committee for Years 2000-2001
Leonor Cabral-Lim, MD |
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President |
Ma.Felicidad Soto |
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1st Vice President |
Myrna Fojas, MD |
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2nd Vice President |
Josephine Gutierrez, MD |
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Secretary Gen. |
Marilyn Ortiz, MD |
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Treasurer |
Board of Trustees for Years 2000-2001
Fe Enrile-Bacsal, M. D. |
Bernardo Conde, M. D. |
Imelda David, M. D. |
Martesio Perez, M. D.D |
Aida Salonga, M. D. |
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