28/03/2026
I know ADHD, neurodivergence and mental health in the Philippines isn’t an easy topic or a lived reality for most who have it, also speaking for myself. But if you have ever benefited from an inclusive teacher, an organization who advocated for you, a public mental health service or even your PWD card, please take a moment of time to know a little more (from my view) about Asia’s Father of Child Psychiatry who just passed away yesterday - Dr. Cornelio Banaag Jr.
I encountered him first around 2010-ish. At that time, I was just an attendee in a free seminar conducted by the ADHD Society of the Philippines. Instantly, I was hooked by this man. He simplified otherwise complex information about ADHD from diagnosis, to development and medication. He knew the lived experiences of his clients, from the videogames they played, the books they read and the personal pain they endured. Even though I wasn’t his patient per se, I felt incredibly seen. At that time I was freshly diagnosed as an adult (by his son Carlo, no less) and I wasn’t open about my own diagnosis publicly, still on my crossroads between special education, coaching or other paths. If it wasn’t for that lecture though, I don’t know if I would have ever been open about my condition, much less train to be an ADHD coach shortly thereafter.
Speaking of that, ADHD coaching was still in its grassroots and in the Philippines, there were only two other people to go through the training and both were already seasoned professionals who had their PhDs at that time. People even questioned whether I had the qualifications to even train as one, really triggering my RSD and impostor syndrome in the process. Dr. Banaag was one of the people who actively advocated for me. I know I didn’t deserve it at that time and I don’t know what he saw in me. He would tell me much later on with laughter, that as a child psychiatrist in the Philippines he too, received much resistance and criticism and that I should just continue moving forward and to “help as many people as possible.” As of today, I have remet those other seasoned professional ADHD coaches and they said “ADHD coaching was truly destined for you.” (Take that impostor syndrome!) Truth is, this path would have likely not survived had people like Dr. Banaag not encouraged and trusted me during this crossroads period of my life.
About 10 years ago-ish, we traveled to Pangasinan together with other doctors, professionals and ADHD advocates to speak to public school teachers and social workers. Dr. Banaag kept on curiously marveling at things, from the architecture and history of a place to what species of tree were planted in another. I would be drawn to the hype all the time, and it was an honor to hype it with him as we were like little kids on an adventure. The other doctors, veterans in their own right, reminded me to be careful with Dr. Banaag, because he often went on a rush like suddenly stepping down from the van we were riding without assistance. I told those doctors “Maybe we shouldn’t worry, he seems strong for a 70 plus year old doesn’t he?” He overheard me and told me “Oh John you’re too kind. But I’m not 70 plus!” Apparently (or actually not apparent at all), he was in his 80s at this time.
Between that time until 2020 was the period that I had the honor of working with and really getting to know Dr. Banaag. The highlight was when I did an interview with him in his own home for a book I’m (still) writing. I learned more deeply about neuroplasticity, and how I would even raise my own family - amid nature like where he lived. His house by the way, wasn’t grandiose - it was a simple garden home away from the city, full of fond memories such as his children having played in a waterfall nearby. Not that he couldn’t afford it, but that he opted to use whatever excess he had to give scholarships to those who could not afford it. I suppose that’s how he wanted to retire, but fate had other plans. When the COVID 19 pandemic hit, that was when ADHD diagnosis, especially among teens and adults probably was at its highest. During the shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals, he was back to a young man’s working load teleconsulting pretty much 7 days a week helping as many people as he possibly could.
In 2022, I was given the honor at this point to helm the country’s first conference exclusively for adults with ADHD, given that previous conferences were focused on pediatrics. My ADHD brain was severely exhausted from organizing the event but thankfully, I had a lot of support from many people. This time though Dr. Banaag would serve to increase my workload as he encouraged me to give a talk on the workplace topic when the scientific committee was convening on it. I honestly don’t remember how I did, but I remember how I felt when he trusted me. However, this wasn’t even my favorite memory of Dr. Banaag from that conference. I remember vividly our coordination towards the hotel we booked for him. It was evening and this man, almost in his 90s, was tired after clinic hours. However, he wanted to pay for his own hotel, Grab and food and had always refused a professional fee for his segment - for as long as it was for the ADHD Society. Well, while we couldn’t force him to take a check, I remember the team had to initiate paying for things because of your constant generosity.
After that, it felt like Dr. Banaag was probably going to live forever. The first time I ever was concerned about his health was just recently when I was speaking at an event, now as a coach instructor for the BEA neurodivergent coaching program. I was having a conversation with my addiction coaching counterpart in the program, Dr. Benjamin Vista. When Dr. Banaag's name came up, I saw Dr. Vista’s face make a noticeable shift. Tears in his eyes were present, as he talked about how you were his mentor. That’s the thing as well with Dr. Banaag - he always had something good to say about a fellow doctor, and every fellow psychiatrist I met who encountered or worked with him, only had amazing things to say about him in return. The psychiatrists I refer to today, born in any decade - you have indelibly left your mark on them because it only takes Dr. Banaag’s memory to lead into an inspiring, tear-jerking moment.
Dr. Banaag, I can’t say you’re the standard. If you were the standard, that means the rest of us in a similar helping industry would be doomed to never meet it. Speaking for myself, I wouldn;t make it in several of my own lifetimes. More appropriately, I’d say you’re the benchmark. In terms of values, making a contribution, following the evidence, and having a BIG HEART - we should all ask, what would Dr. Banaag do? If I can get just a little close to that by the end of my career perhaps, then it would be a good one.
I know where you are Doc. I know the kind of faith you had that was evident in the fruit of your actions, not attached to things of this world but always seeking to make it better. There are so many more stories to tell about this once-in-a-lifetime person, but that will take a book (still finishing - sorry, ADHD po). Rest in peace in Jesus’ arms Doc! See you someday.
