It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear Chairperson Emeritus, Dr. Cornelio Banaag, Jr., at the age of 90 on 27 March 2026.
Dr. Banaag was an internationally renowned child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, educator, and author, widely recognized as the “father of child and adolescent psychiatry” in the Philippines. Known for both his expertise and his warmth, Dr. Banaag was with CFSI since its very early days in 1981. He served as Chairperson of the CFSI Board of Trustees on many occasions, most recently from November 2023 through November 2024, and travelled to many CFSI field sites, both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Banaag was, and always will be, an invaluable part of CFSI. He was dedicated to advancing the mission of CFSI and the people it serves. His guidance helped shape CFSI’s work with children, young people, vulnerable women and men, and others in exceptionally difficult circumstances, contributing to its lasting positive impact on communities in the Philippines and beyond. In Dr. Banaag’s own words from the video above, “as long as we can still help, we will continue to help.”
He will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and genuine care. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and those who loved him during this difficult time.