Our Research

Perinatal and Neurodevelopmental Profiles of ART-conceived Children from 2012-2025

 

The first Philippine study to describe maternal, neonatal, and neurodevelopmental outcomes of ART-conceived children.

Bridging the Gap

Despite the increasing use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), there remains limited local data on the perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes of children conceived through these procedures. This study seeks to provide a comprehensive description of the health and development profiles of ART-conceived children which will serve as a foundation for future research and registry-building. The findings will equip clinicians with locally relevant evidence to guide couples considering or undergoing ART, as well as support improvements in maternal and neonatal care.

What to expect if you participate
  • Time commitment: A secure online questionnaire taking approximately 30 minutes
  • Topics: Details regarding your pregnancy, delivery manner, and your child’s pediatric development records.
  • Strict Confidentiality: In strict compliance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), your personal identifiers will be entirely protected. No names will ever appear in any publication.
Ethics and Confidentiality

This research has been approved by the Capitol Medical Center Research Ethics Board.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our study team at:
Email: research@makati.kato.ph
Telephone: +63 (2) 7917 0130 to 0139 loc. 46

Meet The Research Team

Learn more about the professionals leading this study and their expertise

Rudie Frederick B. Mendiola, MD, MSc, FPOGS, FPSRM, FPSGE

Rudie Frederick B. Mendiola, MD, MSc, FPOGS, FPSRM, FPSGE

KRBC President and Medical Director, Principal Investigator

Dr. Rudie Frederick B. Mendiola trained under Dr. Osamu Kato of Kato Ladies Clinic (KLC). Currently, he is running Kato Repro Biotech Center which offers Natural and Minimal Stimulation IVF using tried and tested Japanese technology. He has delivered numerous lectures on reproductive endocrinology and infertility, gynecologic endoscopy, and assisted reproductive technology in conventions, seminars, workshops and postgraduate courses. He has been the medical director of Kato Repro Biotech Center since its establishment in 2012.

Maria Josephine Yuson-Sunga, MD, FPPS, MSc

Maria Josephine Yuson-Sunga, MD, FPPS, MSc

Study Lead & Co-Investigator

Dr. Josephine Sunga is a distinguished pediatrician and epidemiologist with extensive expertise in clinical practice, public health, and medical leadership. She is an active consultant at the Institute of Child Health at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global and the Department of Pediatrics at Capitol Medical Center. She has also contributed to medical education and research as a former Associate Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at St. Luke’s Medical Center and has chaired research committees for several institutions, including the Philippine Pediatric Society.

Angela Pilar M. Mendiola, MD, FPPS

Angela Pilar M. Mendiola, MD, FPPS

Study Lead & Co-Investigator

Dr. Angela Pilar Mendiola is a pediatrician and hospital administrator currently serving as the Training Officer for the Department of Pediatrics and an active consultant at Capitol Medical Center. She is also an Independent Director for CMC Inc., A Mount Grace Hospital. Her professional achievements include multiple awards for service and public health initiatives, such as the 2025 Health Care Asia Award for Best Public Health Initiative and the 2025 Quill Award of Merit for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Anna Kristina S. Topacio

Anna Kristina S. Topacio

Research Coordinator

Anna is the Research Coordinator of Kato Repro Biotech Center, where she has led research-related operations since 2015, including data management, protocol generation, and research publication. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, major in Human Biology, from De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. She has extensive experience in supporting institutional research applications and the development of clinical reports.

Faith M. Peralta

Faith M. Peralta

Junior Research Assistant

Faith is the Junior Research Assistant of Kato Repro Biotech Center, where she specializes in data management, data analysis, and protocol generation. She holds a degree in Biology majoring in Medical Biology from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and has worked with the Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health at University of the Philippines Manila, demonstrating a strong foundation in health research. In addition to her research work, she has been recognized as a Gold Medalist at the Kaohsiung International Invention and Design Expo in 2017.

Ralph Augustin M. Capati

Ralph Augustin M. Capati

Research Assistant

Ralph is a Research Assistant of Kato Repro Biotech Center, where he supports the research team with data management, validation, analysis, and protocol study applications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, major in Industrial Biology, from the University of Santo Tomas. He is proficient in data analysis and brings extensive experience in molecular biology laboratory techniques—such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

Omer Glen Desalisa

Omer Glen Desalisa

Research Statistician

Omer is a research statistician and data analytics professional with over seven years of experience in quantitative research, statistical consulting, and data-driven decision-making. He specializes in research methodology, biostatistics, predictive modeling, and advanced statistical analysis across healthcare, academic, and corporate settings.

He has supported numerous research projects by providing expertise in study design, data analysis, interpretation of findings, and evidence-based recommendations. His professional background includes analytics and research roles in leading organizations such as Royal Caribbean Group, Okada Manila, Google Operations Center, and various research institutions.

Alexie Corsado

Alexie Corsado

Research Assistant and Field Investigator

Alexie currently serves as a Research Assistant supporting research and project activities. She has over 10 years of experience in public health programs, clinical trials, and laboratory systems, with professional backgrounds in Nursing and Medical Technology. She completed graduate studies in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology and earned a Diploma in International Community Development. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health and development programs. Alexie is committed to advancing community health and improving access to quality healthcare services through research, evidence-based practice, and humanitarian development efforts.

Rachelle Dela Cruz

Rachelle Dela Cruz

Research Assistant and Field Investigator

Rachelle is a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics graduate from Polytechnic University of the Philippines with experience in nutrition-related research and birth cohort studies. Skilled in dietary assessment, 24-hour food recall, and field research, with a strong commitment to supporting public health and evidence-based research.

Layla Yuhico

Layla Yuhico

Research Assistant

Layla is a neuroscience undergraduate at the University of Southern California with interests in translational research, genetics, and reproductive medicine. Alongside her studies, she works in a neuromodulation laboratory investigating deep brain stimulation and functional ultrasound imaging, where she has gained experience in preclinical research and experimental techniques. She is passionate about applying scientific discoveries across disciplines to improve patient outcomes, from neurological disorders to reproductive health.