🌿 Introduction
Recently, the Traditional Hilot Society, Inc. (THSI) issued a public advisory warning against the practice of Hilot by individuals and groups not accredited by PITAHC (Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care). While we respect their efforts to professionalize Hilot within the health care system, we must raise a critical concern: Can Hilot be monopolized?
The answer is a resounding no.
🧓 Hilot: A Sacred Tradition, Not a Trademark
Hilot is not a brand. It is a living tradition, a spiritual calling, and a cultural heritage passed down through generations of Filipino healers, midwives, and spiritual leaders. It belongs to the people, not to any single organization.
To claim exclusive authority over Hilot is to erase the ancestral wisdom of countless Manghihilot who have served their communities long before PITAHC or THSI existed.
⚖️ Our Legal and Constitutional Rights
We assert our right to practice Hilot based on the following:
- 1987 Philippine Constitution
- Article XIV, Section 17–22: Protects indigenous cultural communities and their traditions.
- Article III, Section 5: Guarantees freedom of religion and spiritual practice.
- Article XIII, Section 6: Upholds the right to livelihood and self-determination.
- Republic Act No. 8371 – Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA)
- Recognizes the right of Indigenous Peoples to preserve and develop their traditional healing systems.
- Republic Act No. 8423 – Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA)
- Encourages the development of traditional health care without monopolizing it.
- Affirms the protection of indigenous knowledge and practices.
🛡️ Our Position
We, the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, Templong Anituhan, and independent Manghihilot practitioners, affirm that:
- Hilot is a cultural and spiritual practice, not merely a health service.
- Manghihilot practitioners, whether PITAHC-certified or not, have the right to practice in accordance with their traditions.
- Spiritual and cultural institutions have the right to train and ordain Hilot practitioners under their own customary laws and beliefs.
🤝 A Call for Unity, Not Division
We invite THSI and PITAHC to recognize the plurality of Hilot traditions in the Philippines. Let us work together to honor our ancestors, protect our heritage, and serve our communities—not through exclusion, but through collaboration.
✍️ Final Words
Hilot is not owned. It is lived.
It is not regulated by paper alone—it is guided by spirit, breath, and touch.
Let us keep it sacred, inclusive, and true to its roots.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 