Introduction
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional and spiritual healing practices across the Philippines and among Filipinos worldwide. This resurgence is both a blessing and a responsibility.
The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), through its public announcements, continues to remind us that while traditional healing—such as hilot—plays an important role in Filipino wellness, it must be practiced with discipline, accountability, and care.
As the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, we honor this reminder and offer our reflection, while also affirming our deeper commitment:
👉 Healing must be both spiritually authentic and ethically grounded.
Understanding PITAHC’s Role in Healing
PITAHC was established under Republic Act No. 8423 (Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997) to promote, regulate, and integrate traditional healing into the national healthcare system.
Its mission includes:
- Setting standards for safety and quality in traditional healing
- Certifying practitioners and accrediting facilities
- Protecting the Filipino public from unsafe or unqualified practices
- Supporting the integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare
Through its recent messaging, PITAHC emphasizes a simple but powerful truth:
Not all healing practices are safe—and not all practitioners are properly trained.
Thus, the call for certification and accreditation is not a restriction, but a protection—for both healer and patient.
Reflection on the PITAHC Video
The shared PITAHC video carries a clear message:
👉 Seek healing only from trained, recognized, and accountable practitioners.
This message is important in a time when:
- Anyone may claim to be a healer
- Spiritual practices are easily shared online without guidance
- Vulnerable individuals may seek help without knowing whom to trust
The video affirms that hilot—and by extension, all traditional healing—must be practiced with:
- Competence
- Responsibility
- Respect for human well-being
We recognize and support this direction.
The Deeper Issue: Spiritual Healing Without Formation
Beyond hilot massage and bodywork, there is a growing field of spiritual healing, including:
- Energy healing
- Ritual healing
- Ancestral or indigenous practices
- Spirit communication and intervention
While these practices are part of cultural and spiritual heritage, they also carry serious risks when performed without proper formation.
Today, we see concerning patterns:
- Self-declared “healers” without training or guidance
- Misinterpretation of spirit possession leading to harmful interventions
- Rituals performed without ethical standards or accountability
- Physical or psychological harm inflicted in the name of healing
This is where the conversation must deepen.
Our Strong Stand: Healing Must Never Be Violent
As the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, we make this clear and uncompromising declaration:
We condemn any form of violence in healing—especially in the context of exorcism, spirit possession, or spiritual intervention.
We do NOT approve of:
- Physical restraint or harm as part of ritual practice
- Beating, shaking, or forceful expulsion methods
- Emotional or psychological abuse justified as “spiritual cleansing”
- Any act that violates the dignity and safety of a person
No spirit, no tradition, and no belief system justifies violence.
True healing is:
- Gentle
- Respectful
- Protective
- Life-giving
The Sacred Responsibility of Ordination
While certification ensures technical competence, ordination ensures spiritual responsibility.
We therefore strongly emphasize:
👉 Spiritual healers must not only be trained—they must be formed, guided, and ordained.
What is Ordination in Spiritual Healing?
Ordination is not merely a title. It is a sacred commitment that includes:
- Ethical discipline
- Spiritual accountability
- Mentorship under experienced elders or clergy
- Alignment with a recognized lineage or tradition
- Ongoing formation and self-refinement
An ordained healer is not self-appointed.
They are recognized, guided, and held accountable.
Freedom of Religion and Responsibility
The 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice their beliefs freely.
However, we affirm this important truth:
Freedom of religion does not mean freedom to harm others.
With spiritual authority comes moral and social responsibility.
Therefore, we encourage:
- Responsible exercise of spiritual gifts
- Accountability within a community or order
- Respect for both spiritual and public health standards
Guidance for Patients and Seekers of Healing
For those seeking spiritual or traditional healing, we offer this guidance:
🔍 1. Verify the Healer
- Are they trained or certified (e.g., PITAHC for hilot)?
- Are they ordained or recognized within a legitimate spiritual tradition?
🛑 2. Watch for Red Flags
Avoid practitioners who:
- Use force, fear, or intimidation
- Claim absolute power or exclusivity
- Refuse transparency about their training or lineage
- Pressure you into rituals or payments
🤝 3. Ensure Consent and Respect
- Healing must always be with your full consent
- You should feel safe, respected, and empowered
🌿 4. Integrate with Proper Care
- Spiritual healing may complement—but not replace—professional medical care
- Responsible healers will refer when necessary
Our Call to Spiritual Healers
To all who walk the path of healing:
- Seek proper education and training
- Submit to ordination and mentorship
- Practice with humility and discipline
- Align with ethical and safety standards
- Honor both tradition and human dignity
Healing is not a performance—it is a sacred service.
Toward a Future of Safe and Sacred Healing
We envision a future where:
- PITAHC-certified practitioners and spiritually ordained healers work together
- Indigenous wisdom is preserved with integrity and accountability
- Patients are protected from harm and guided toward genuine healing
- Spiritual practice becomes a force of compassion, not fear
Final Words
Let us raise a standard where:
- Healing is never violent
- Spiritual authority is never abused
- Every healer is accountable
- Every patient is protected
In this way, we honor both our ancestral traditions and our responsibility to the present generation.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 