Preamble

We, the stewards, practitioners, and custodians of the sacred healing tradition known as Hilot Binabaylan, rooted in the indigenous knowledge systems of the Filipino people,

Recognizing that healing is a sacred exchange of energy, trust, and responsibility between the practitioner and the one seeking care;

Affirming that while the rights of patients are widely upheld and protected, there exists an equal necessity to recognize and protect the dignity, welfare, and integrity of the Hilot practitioner;

Guided by the principles enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (RA 8371), and the global recognition of traditional and indigenous healing systems;

We hereby declare and affirm the following rights of the Hilot Binabaylan Practitioner, to serve as a standard of ethical practice, cultural preservation, and professional respect within the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan and allied communities:

Article I: General Principles

Section 1. Sacred Nature of Practice

Hilot Binabaylan is recognized as a sacred and holistic healing practice, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.

Section 2. Equality of Dignity

The relationship between practitioner and client is founded on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and balanced dignity.

Article II: Rights of the Hilot Binabaylan Practitioner

Section 1. Right to Respect and Dignified Treatment

Every practitioner shall be accorded respect, honor, and recognition as a legitimate bearer of indigenous healing knowledge, free from discrimination, ridicule, or cultural invalidation.

Section 2. Right to Professional and Personal Boundaries

Every practitioner has the right to:

• Establish and maintain appropriate professional, emotional, and spiritual boundaries
• Refuse or discontinue services in cases that exceed their competence, ethical standards, or personal well-being

Section 3. Right to Safety and Protection

Every practitioner is entitled to a safe and secure environment, free from:

• Harassment, abuse, coercion, or violence
• Any condition that threatens physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being

The practitioner reserves the right to terminate sessions if safety is compromised.

Section 4. Right to Fair and Just Compensation

Every practitioner has the right to receive fair, agreed, and respectful compensation for services rendered, whether in monetary form, offerings, or other culturally appropriate exchanges, free from exploitation or undue pressure.

Section 5. Right to Recognition and Protection of Indigenous Knowledge

Every practitioner has the right to:

• Uphold and preserve Hilot as part of Filipino indigenous cultural heritage
• Protect their practices, rituals, and knowledge from misappropriation, misuse, or unauthorized representation

Section 6. Right to Informed Practice

Every practitioner has the right to receive complete, truthful, and accurate information from the client regarding their health condition, personal history, and relevant concerns, and may refuse responsibility in cases of withheld or falsified information.

Section 7. Right to Spiritual IntegrityEvery practitioner has the right to practice according to their:

• Lineage, calling, and spiritual discipline
• Guidance of the Diwata, Anito, and ancestral forces

No practitioner shall be compelled to alter or compromise sacred practices in violation of their spiritual integrity.

Section 8. Right to Rest and Energetic RenewalEvery practitioner has the right to:

• Adequate rest, recovery, and energy protection
• Engage in personal rituals of cleansing, grounding, and renewal
• Decline or limit engagements to preserve their well-being

Section 9. Right to Continuing Development and Recognition

Every practitioner has the right to pursue continuous learning, training, and spiritual growth, and to receive appropriate recognition of their level of mastery within the Hilot Binabaylan tradition.

Section 10. Right to Ethical and Professional Protection

Every practitioner has the right to:

• Protection against false accusations, misrepresentation, or reputational harm
• Maintain confidentiality over sacred knowledge, methods, and practices in accordance with ethical and spiritual discretion

Article III: Implementation and Commitment

Section 1. Institutional Adoption

This Declaration shall serve as a guiding framework for all programs, trainings, and practices under the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan and its affiliated institutions.

Section 2. Ethical Standard

This Declaration shall be upheld as part of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of all Hilot Binabaylan Practitioners.

Section 3. Advocacy and Cultural Preservation

This Declaration shall support ongoing efforts toward:

• Recognition of Hilot in national and global health frameworks
• Protection of indigenous healing systems
• Promotion of ethical and culturally grounded healing practices

🌺 Closing Statement

In affirming these rights, we uphold that the Hilot Binabaylan Practitioner is not merely a service provider, but a guardian of balance, a vessel of ancestral wisdom, and a living bridge between the seen and unseen realms.

May this Declaration preserve the dignity of the healer, protect the sacredness of the practice, and ensure harmony in every act of healing.

“This Declaration shall serve as the foundational ethical and professional framework for the recognition and protection of Hilot Binabaylan Practitioners in the Philippines and internationally.”

Adopted by:

Hilot Academy of Binabaylan
Under the Spiritual Guidance of
Templong Anituhan ng Luntiang Aghama