In the heart of the Philippines, where ancestral wisdom meets modern wellness, the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan stands as a living testament to the enduring power of indigenous healing. More than just a school, it is a sanctuary of cultural memory, spiritual practice, and community empowerment. As we prepare for the Pista ng Katutubong Gamutang Pilipino 2026, it’s time to ask: Why hasn’t this academy been formally recognized by PITAHC?
Let’s explore why it should be.
🌿 Hilot: A Healing Tradition Older Than History
Did you know that evidence of healing practices in the Philippines dates back 709,000 years? In Kalinga, early humans butchered rhinoceros not just for food—but for medicine. This ancient wisdom evolved into what we now call Hilot, a holistic healing system practiced by babaylan, manghihilot, and albularyo across generations.
From the Srivijaya period to the Islamic era, through Spanish and American colonization, wartime resistance, and Martial Law—Hilot survived. It adapted, persisted, and remained deeply rooted in Filipino cosmology, spirituality, and community life.
🏛️ Legal Milestones That Paved the Way
Hilot’s journey toward formal recognition began with:
- Presidential Decree No. 856 (1975) – regulating massage and sanitation.
- RA 8423 (1997) – the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act, which created PITAHC.
- TESDA Board Resolution 2008-19 – establishing Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II training standards.
These laws laid the groundwork. Now, it’s time to take the next step: recognize the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan as a formal educational institution under PITAHC’s guidance.
📚 Why PITAHC Should Recognize the Academy
Here are 9 policy recommendations, backed by historical and institutional data:
1. Institutional Recognition
Hilot is not spa massage. It’s a spiritual and therapeutic tradition. The Academy preserves this distinction and deserves formal acknowledgment.
2. Educational Integration
The Academy offers structured training aligned with PITAHC’s mandate to collaborate with TESDA, CHED, DepEd, and PCHRD for short courses and degree programs.
3. Accreditation and Licensing
Graduates of the Academy should be eligible for national accreditation, protecting them from being labeled “quack doctors.”
4. Research and Documentation
Hilot has survived through oral tradition. PITAHC can support the Academy in creating a National Archive of Indigenous Healing Knowledge.
5. Community-Based Health Programs
Hilot has always been the backbone of rural healthcare. Integrating it into barangay health programs will uplift underserved communities.
6. Cultural Preservation
Hilot is part of our Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Academy safeguards this legacy through ritual, education, and practice.
7. Economic Empowerment
TESDA-certified Hilot training empowers PWDs, solo parents, and OFWs. The Academy is a hub for inclusive livelihood development.
8. Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue
Hilot has harmonized with Islamic and Christian traditions. The Academy promotes respectful spiritual integration.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation
PITAHC can lead a task force to ensure quality, impact, and sustainability of Hilot programs nationwide.
✨ A Living Temple of Healing
The Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, rooted in the teachings of Templong Anituhan, is more than an educational center—it is a living temple of Filipino healing arts. It embodies the spirit of Melchora Aquino, the revolutionary Hilot of the Katipunan, and carries forward the legacy of the babaylan who healed not just bodies, but communities.
📣 Call to Action
We urge PITAHC to:
- Recognize the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan as a formal partner in traditional medicine education.
- Support its programs through policy, funding, and collaboration.
- Honor Hilot as a sacred tradition that continues to heal, educate, and empower.
Let us not wait another generation. The time to uplift our indigenous healing wisdom is now.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 