📜 Official Announcement from Templong Anituhan Inc. and Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc.

This day od 8th of August 2025- We joyfully proclaim that all graduates of the Hilot Binabaylan Training Program from 2016 up to June 18, 2025 are hereby recognized and conferred the title of Master of Ministry in Hilot Binabaylan Practice.

As a mark of this sacred recognition, graduates may now use the honorific suffix “M.Min.HBp”, signifying their credential as Master of Ministry in Hilot Binabaylan Practice.

This recognition is a testament to their dedication, spiritual growth, and mastery of Indigenous Filipino Healing Wisdom as taught through the sacred traditions of Luntiang Aghama and the ministerial guidance of Templong Anituhan.

Furthermore, we are honored to announce that the Hilot Binabaylan Training Program is now officially elevated to an Ecclesiastical Degree in Ministry, forming a foundational path that may lead to the Doctorate Degree in Indigenous Filipino Medicine.

This milestone affirms our commitment to preserving, honoring, and advancing the sacred healing arts of our ancestors, and to empowering future generations of Binabaylan Ministers to serve with wisdom, compassion, and divine purpose.

May this recognition inspire deeper service, healing, and spiritual leadership in our communities.

In the Spirit the Diwata, Engkanto Anito together with our Holy Ancestors, we celebrate this sacred elevation.

🌀 Templong Anituhan Inc.
🌀 Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc.
🌀 Hilot Academy of Binabaylan

🌀 Joint Ecclesiastical Resolution No. 08-08-2025

Templong Anituhan Inc. & Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc.

Subject: Recognition of Hilot Binabaylan Graduates (2016–2025) as Masters in Ministry and Elevation of Training Program to Ecclesiastical Degree Status

WHEREAS, the sacred teachings and practices of Hilot Binabaylan have been faithfully transmitted through the ministerial efforts of Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc. under the spiritual guidance of Templong Anituhan Inc.;

WHEREAS, the graduates of the Hilot Binabaylan Training Program from the year 2016 up to June 18, 2025 have demonstrated mastery in Indigenous Filipino Healing Wisdom and Spiritual Ministry;

WHEREAS, it is the divine will of the Diwata and the ancestral spirits that those who walk the path of healing and service be duly recognized and empowered;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved jointly by Templong Anituhan Inc. and Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc., that:

All graduates of the Hilot Binabaylan Training Program from 2016 to June 18, 2025 are hereby recognized and conferred the ecclesiastical title of Master of Ministry in Hilot Binabaylan Practice.
Said graduates may now officially use the suffix “M.Min.HBp” to signify their credential and spiritual authority in the practice of Hilot Binabaylan Ministry.
Effective January 2026, all individuals seeking enrollment in the Hilot Binabaylan Training Program must submit verifiable credentials proving:
- A healthcare-related educational background, and/or
- Completion of the Ecclesiastical Bachelor’s Degree in Aghamic Divinity and Ministry.
This resolution affirms the elevation of the Hilot Binabaylan Training Program to an Ecclesiastical Degree in Ministry, forming a pathway toward the Doctorate Degree in Indigenous Filipino Medicine.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that this resolution be made known to all affiliated ministers, clergy, and educational institutions under the spiritual jurisdiction of Templong Anituhan Inc. and Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc.

Signed this 8th day of August, 2025
In the Spirit of the Diwata, Engkanto and Anito

Signed:

Rev. Alvin L. Sentin D.D.Min IFS IFM aka **Lakay Magbaya**

Director on Local Community Affairs Relations

Rev. Rolando G. Comon D.D.Min. IFS IFM aka **APU ADMAN**

Founder/Program Director

Rev. Maria M. Haswell D.D.Min IFS IFM aka **BAE AKUMA**

Director on International Affairs Relations

Hilot: A Sacred Path to Wellness in Filipino Culture

In the heart of Filipino ancestral wisdom lies a sacred tradition that continues to transform lives—Hilot. More than just a healing technique, Hilot is a spiritual calling, a way of life, and a commitment to serve others with compassion, integrity, and respect.

As the world seeks deeper, more holistic approaches to wellness, Hilot stands as a beacon of hope—reminding us that healing begins from within and is nurtured by the wisdom of our ancestors.

Why Hilot Matters Today

Modern healthcare often focuses on symptoms, but Hilot looks deeper. It recognizes that illness can stem from emotional, spiritual, and environmental imbalances. Through intuitive diagnostics like Tawas, sacred rituals, and personalized care, Hilot practitioners help individuals restore harmony in body, mind, and spirit.

But with this sacred power comes great responsibility. That’s why every Manghihilot must uphold the Hilot Code of Ethics and Healing Principles—a living covenant that guides our practice and protects those we serve.

🌿 The Hilot Code of Ethics: A Sacred Commitment

As a Manghihilot, you are not just a healer—you are a steward of life. The Code of Ethics ensures that your practice is rooted in:

Compassionate Care: Facilitating healing, not controlling it.
Respect for Individuality: Every soul is unique; every treatment is personalized.
Professional Integrity: Referring patients when conditions are beyond your scope.
Cultural Wisdom: Honoring ancestral knowledge while embracing modern insights.
Non-Discrimination: Serving all people regardless of background, identity, or status.

This code is not just a guideline—it is a spiritual vow to uphold the dignity and well-being of every person who seeks your help.

✨ Healing Principles That Guide the Manghihilot

Hilot is more than technique—it is philosophy. As a practitioner, you will learn to:

Recognize that healing begins within.
Understand that illness may be spiritual, emotional, or physical—and often all three.
Use cleansing rituals to remove the source of illness and replace it with positive energy.
Respect the natural environment as a vital part of healing.
Accept death as a transition, not an enemy, and help others live meaningfully.

These principles empower you to become a healer who not only treats symptoms but transforms lives.

🎓 Why You Should Enroll in Hilot Training

Whether you are a healthcare professional, spiritual seeker, or someone looking for a meaningful path, Hilot offers a journey of healing, purpose, and connection.

By enrolling in our Hilot training program, you will:

✅ Learn authentic Hilot techniques from certified practitioners
✅ Receive spiritual and cultural education rooted in Filipino traditions
✅ Be part of a movement to preserve and elevate Indigenous healing arts
✅ Earn credentials that recognize your role as a traditional healthcare provider
✅ Transform your life—and the lives of those you serve

🌕 Enrollment for 2026 class is Now Open!

Join the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan and become a certified Manghihilot.
Let your hands be instruments of healing. Let your heart be a vessel of compassion.
Let your spirit carry the wisdom of our ancestors into the future.

📩 Message us today to reserve your spot.
🌿 Limited slots available. Begin your journey now.

📢 Public Advisory: On the Protection of Hilot as a Shared Cultural Heritage

Issued by:
Templong Anituhan ng Luntiang Aghama
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan
In solidarity with Independent Manghihilot Practitioners

🛑 Warning Against Monopolization of Hilot

We issue this advisory to caution any organization, institution, or individual that attempts to monopolize the practice of Hilot by claiming exclusive authority or ownership over this sacred tradition.

Hilot is a shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the Filipino people. It is not a proprietary system, nor can it be restricted to a single group or entity.

⚖️ Legal Basis

The following laws protect the right of all Filipinos to practice Hilot:

1987 Philippine Constitution
- Article XIV, Sections 17–22: Protects indigenous cultural communities and their traditions.
- Article III, Section 5: Guarantees freedom of religion and spiritual practice.
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. 10066 – National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009
- Prohibits the misappropriation or exclusive control of cultural heritage.
Republic Act No. 8423 – Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA)
- Encourages the development of traditional health care without monopolization.

🏛️ Government Agencies and Cultural Institutions Responsible for Oversight

We call on the following agencies to uphold and protect the inclusive practice of Hilot:

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) – Lead agency for cultural heritage protection
National Museum of the Philippines – Preserves and documents Filipino cultural heritage
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) – Conserves historical and intangible heritage
Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) – Promotes indigenous languages and cultural expressions
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD – DOST) – Maintains the TKDL on traditional health knowledge
Department of Health (DOH) – PITAHC – Regulates traditional medicine within the formal health system

📣 Our Stand

We affirm that:

Hilot is a sacred calling, not a commercial brand.
No organization has the legal or moral right to claim exclusive ownership of Hilot.
Manghihilot practitioners, whether PITAHC-certified or not, have the constitutional and ancestral right to practice Hilot in accordance with their traditions.

🤝 Call to Action

We call on:

Government agencies to uphold the rights of traditional healers.
Cultural institutions to protect Hilot as a living heritage.
Communities and practitioners to stand united against exclusion and monopolization.

✍️ Issued this 4th day of August 2025

Rev. Rolando Gomez Comon
Chief Priest, Templong Anituhan ng Luntiang Aghama
Founder/Program Director Hilot Academy of Binabaylan

📰 Hilot is Our Heritage: A Response to the Public Advisory of Traditional Hilot Society, Inc.

🌿 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.

🌿 Understanding the Three Faces of Hilot: A Path to Holistic Filipino Healing 🌿

Hilot, the ancient Filipino art of healing, is steadily gaining global recognition as a powerful modality for wellness and spiritual restoration. As more people seek natural and culturally rooted approaches to health, Hilot stands out as a sacred tradition that bridges body, mind, and spirit.

At the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, we honor the richness and diversity within this practice. Through years of study and experience, we have identified three distinct expressions of Hilot, each serving a unique purpose in the journey toward holistic well-being:

1️⃣ TESDA Hilot

This form of Hilot is widely taught through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and focuses primarily on physical relaxation and massage therapy. It is designed to relieve stress, promote circulation, and support general wellness through touch and bodywork.

2️⃣ PITAHC Hilot

Recognized by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), this approach integrates Hilot into the realm of complementary and alternative medicine. It is medically inclined, emphasizing diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions that align with traditional healthcare systems.

3️⃣ Hilot Binabaylan

This is our sacred path—Hilot Binabaylan—a culturally and spiritually rooted practice that draws from indigenous Filipino wisdom. It involves rituals, connection with nature, and ancestral guidance to heal not just the body, but also the soul. It is a spiritual calling that honors the sacred relationship between healer, patient, and the unseen forces of life.

🌺 A Gathering of Healing and Unity

On October 5, 2025, we will host a special gathering to celebrate and acknowledge these three expressions of Hilot. This event is not about division, but integration—recognizing that each form of Hilot contributes to a greater whole. When combined, they offer a comprehensive and deeply transformative healing experience.

Rather than contradicting one another, these approaches can be harmonized to provide optimum benefits for those we serve. Whether through physical touch, medical insight, or spiritual connection, Hilot remains a living tradition that continues to evolve and empower.

✨ Let us unite in honoring our heritage and empowering our future through the sacred art of Hilot. ✨

#HilotBinabaylan #AncestralHealing #FilipinoWisdom #HilotAcademy #IntegrativeHealing #TemplongAnituhan

Understanding the Seasons and Health Risks During Habagat in the Philippines

The Philippines, a tropical archipelago, experiences only two distinct seasons—the Dry Season and the Wet Season—unlike countries above and below the equator that enjoy four.

Dry Season: November to May
Wet Season: June to October

These seasons are largely influenced by monsoon winds:

Amihan (Northeast Monsoon): Brings cooler air and less rainfall, typically from November to February.
Habagat (Southwest Monsoon): Brings warm, moist air and heavy rains, usually from June to October.

You might notice that March to May isn’t covered by either monsoon. This period is known as the Inter-Monsoon Period, which marks the Philippine summer. During this time, another wind system called the Easterlies—part of the global trade wind system—blows from the Pacific Ocean toward the eastern parts of the country, contributing to hot and humid weather.

🌧️ What Happens During the Habagat Season?

As of this writing, we are in the Habagat season, when typhoons are more frequent. The wind blows from the southwest to the northeast, carrying warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. This results in:

Heavy and frequent rainfall
Thunderstorms and typhoons
High humidity and cloudy skies
Flooding, landslides, and increasingly, storm surges

🩺 Common Health Risks During Habagat

The wet conditions during the Habagat season create an environment that fosters several illnesses. Here are the most common health risks:

🦟 1. Dengue Fever

Cause: Mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti)
Why it spreads: Stagnant water from floods becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes
Symptoms: High fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, bleeding

💧 2. Waterborne Diseases

Caused by contaminated water due to flooding and poor sanitation:

Cholera: Severe diarrhea and dehydration
Hepatitis A: Jaundice, fever, abdominal pain
Typhoid Fever: High fever, weakness, stomach pain
Prevention: Boil drinking water, maintain proper hygiene, and dispose of waste properly

🐀 3. Leptospirosis

Cause: Contact with floodwater contaminated by rat urine
Symptoms: Fever, muscle pain, vomiting; severe cases may lead to kidney or liver damage
Prevention: Avoid wading in floodwaters; wear protective boots if necessary

🤧 4. Influenza-like Illnesses

Cause: Viral infections spread in crowded, damp environments
Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches
Prevention: Practice good hygiene, avoid crowded places, and maintain proper nutrition

Stay safe and informed during the Habagat season. Understanding the weather patterns and health risks can help you prepare and protect yourself and your family.

🌿 Embracing Hilot: Integrating Traditional Healing into the Philippine Healthcare System

In the heart of Filipino culture lies a healing tradition that predates modern medicine—Hilot. More than just a massage, Hilot is a holistic approach to wellness that addresses the body, mind, and spirit. As the Philippines continues to modernize its healthcare system, there is a growing movement to reclaim and integrate Hilot into the national healthcare delivery system.

🏛️ A Legal Foundation: RA 8423

The integration of Hilot is not just a cultural aspiration—it is supported by law. Republic Act No. 8423, also known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997, mandates the promotion and integration of traditional and alternative healthcare practices into the national health system. This law led to the creation of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), which now oversees the certification and regulation of traditional healers, including Hilot practitioners.

🔍 Understanding the Types of Hilot

There are three primary streams of Hilot practice in the Philippines:

Hilot Binabaylan: Rooted in indigenous spirituality, this form of Hilot is passed down through oral tradition and spiritual calling. It involves rituals, energy healing, and ancestral wisdom.
TESDA Hilot: Offered as a vocational course under TESDA, this version focuses on massage therapy and wellness, preparing practitioners for work in spas and wellness centers.
PITAHC Hilot: Recognized by the Department of Health, this form integrates traditional diagnostic and healing methods with public health services, emphasizing herbal medicine, community wellness, and preventive care.

🌀 A Framework for Integration

To fully integrate Hilot into the national healthcare system, a structured approach is essential. Here’s a five-phase model:

1. Diagnostic Phase

Recognize Hilot’s traditional diagnostic methods—such as pulse reading and energy assessment—as complementary to biomedical diagnostics, especially in rural health units.

2. Cleansing Phase

Train Hilot practitioners to offer non-invasive cleansing techniques like pahid, tuob, and ventosa in barangay health centers as part of wellness and preventive care.

3. Repair Phase

Allow certified Hilot practitioners to provide therapeutic massage and herbal remedies under DOH supervision, in collaboration with PITAHC-recognized healing centers.

4. Strengthening Phase

Mobilize Hilot practitioners to lead community herbal gardens and ethnobotanical documentation, in partnership with LGUs and the Department of Agriculture.

5. Maintenance Phase

Empower Hilot practitioners to serve as health coaches, teaching traditional wellness practices, nutrition, and stress management in barangay health education programs.

🤝 Policy and Institutional Support

PITAHC’s Circular No. 01, s. 2016 provides a clear pathway for:

Certification of Hilot practitioners
Accreditation of Hilot training and healing centers
Integration into public health services

With the legal and institutional framework in place, what’s needed now is community support, local government action, and national recognition of Hilot’s value in building a healthier, more culturally grounded Philippines.

📣 Final Thoughts

Integrating Hilot into the national healthcare system is more than a policy move—it’s a cultural revival. It honors our ancestors, empowers our communities, and offers a holistic path to wellness that is uniquely Filipino.

TOUCH THE WORLD WITH HILOT

When we start Hilot Academy of Binabaylan on 2016, I know from that time that our Hilot will be different from what the people know about it and even on how the Philippine Government promote it to the Public. I would say that our Hilot reflects the vision of my Teacher, Dr. Rueben M. Galang Jr., MD who is the founder of the School of Alternative Medicine at St. Francis Divine College in Novaliches, Queson City that he says:

The power of Health to the hands of the People and one manghihilot in every Filipino Home.

In the Philippines, we have approximately 116.79 million as our total population this 2025 and if the average household compose of 4 to 5 persons, then we will have approximately 28.5 million families. And aside from the Philippines Filipino can also be found in the United States of America, which according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 4.45 Million Filipinos living in USA especially in:

California that has 1,705,090 Filipinos
Hawaii that has 369,479 Filipinos
Texas that has 231,992 Filipinos
Washington that has 194,965 Filipinos
Nevada that has 184,225 Filipinos
Florida that has 178,012 Filipinos
Illinois that has 174,442 Filipinos
New York that has 160,566 Filipinos
New Jersey that has 152, 507 Filipinos
Virginia that has 119,497 Filipinos

Though this map only shows the number of Filipino that can be found in the United States of America, this will also serve as our road map in reaching out to our Kababayan in remembering our Indigenous Healing Arts and Science. Mostly Filipinos in United States of America are immigrants and either 2nd to 3rd Generation Filipino American.

Next to the United States of America, there are also large Filipino Community that can be found in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia mostly Overseas Filipino Worker that works in Construction Firm, Health Care and House Hold Services. In general, there are 898,014 Filipinos in the entire kingdom that can be distributed on the following provinces:

Riyadh there are approximately 250,000-300,000 Filipinos
Jeddah there are approximately 150,000 – 200,000 Filipinos
Al Kobar and Dammam (Eastern Province) there are approximately 120,000- 150,000 Filipinos
Mecca and Medina there are approximately 50,000 – 70,000 Filipinos

Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly diversified, with many now employed in private sector jobs, including healthcare, education, retail, and even small business ownership.

Next will be in Canada which many Filipinos have Migrated for permanent residency, work and Education. It is estimated that there are around 1 million Filipino migrated in Canada which is shown below:

Ontario: There are 363,655 Filipinos
British Columbia: There are 216,710 Filipinos
Alberta: There are 174,280 Filipinos
Manitoba: There are 94, 320 Filipinos
Saskatchewan: There are 43,760 Filipinos
Quebec: There are 44,880 Filipinos
Nova Scotia: There are 6,615 Filipinos
New Brunswick: There are 5,190 Filipinos
Newfoundland and Labrador: There are 2,265 Filipinos
Yukon: There are 1,945 Filipinos
Northwest Territories: There are 1,665 Filipinos
Prince Eduard Islands: There are 1,760 Filipinos
Nunavut: There are 310 Filipinos

Fourth in our list is the United Arab Emirates where there are significant numbers of Overseas Filipino Workers which approximately in 700,000 making up 6.8% of the country’s population.

In Dubai, there are already 450,000 Filipinos which roughly accounts to 21.3% of Dubai’s population. Filipinos here work in hospitality, healthcare, retail, construction, and other service industries.
Abu Dhabi: Estimated ~150,000 Many are employed in government services, oil and gas, and education.
Sharjah, Ajman, and other emirates: ~100,000 combined These areas host Filipinos working in manufacturing, logistics, and domestic services.

Next is in Japan, where Filipinos work in caregiving, entertainment and technical fields. There are many Filipino Japanese Families. Approximately there are 341,518 Filipinos Living in Japan.

As shown, the largest Filipino communities are in:

Tokyo (~72,000)
Aichi (~42,000)
Kanagawa (~39,000)
Osaka (~36,000)
Saitama (~31,000)

Nest to Japan is Australia which has a growing population of Filipino, especially in Sydney and Melbourne due to skilled migration and education. Approximately 361,860 Filipino-born people living in Australia, making them the fifth-largest migrant community in the country. This represents about 1.4% of Australia’s total population.

State/Territory	Filipino-born Population
New South Wales (NSW)	98,510
Victoria (VIC)	75,480
Queensland (QLD)	60,360
Western Australia (WA)	35,120
South Australia (SA)	18,740
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	4,880
Northern Territory (NT)	2,800
Tasmania (TAS)	1,700

After Australia we are also in the United Kingdom on which Filipinos work in healthcare, especially as nurses and caregivers. As of 2025, there are approximately 165,000 to 200,000 Filipinos living in the United Kingdom

1. This includes both:

Philippines-born residents: Around 164,962 as of the 2021/22 census 1
Ethnic Filipinos (including those born in the UK or with Filipino ancestry): Estimated to be over 200,000

🇬🇧 Filipino Population by Region

Here’s a breakdown based on available data:

Region	Filipino Population
England	149,474
Scotland	6,245
Wales	5,542
Northern Ireland	3,701

🏙️ Areas with Significant Filipino Communities

London: Home to about 40% of the UK’s Filipino population
English Midlands
North West England
South East England

Filipinos in the UK are active in sectors such as healthcare (especially nursing), hospitality, education, and domestic services.

HONGKONG

As of January 2024, there are approximately 201,104 Filipinos living in Hong Kong, most of whom are employed as foreign domestic helpers (FDHs)

1. This makes Filipinos the largest ethnic minority in Hong Kong, comprising 55.6% of the total FDH population.

🇭🇰 Filipino Presence in Hong Kong

Primary Occupation: Domestic work, caregiving, hospitality, and retail
Community Hubs: Central (especially around Statue Square), Victoria Park, and areas in Kowloon and the New Territories
Support Services: Numerous Filipino churches, consular services, and community organizations are active in Hong Kong

SINGAPORE

As of 2025, there are an estimated over 220,000 Filipinos living in Singapore, based on growth trends from previous years

1. This includes:

Work permit holders (majority)
Permanent residents
Singapore citizens of Filipino origin (though not officially counted separately)

🇸🇬 Filipino Presence in Singapore

Occupations: Domestic work, healthcare, education, IT, finance, hospitality, and retail
Community hubs: Lucky Plaza (Orchard Road), East Coast, and areas near churches and consular services
Cultural footprint: Active Filipino churches, community groups, and events like Independence Day celebrations

SOUTH KOREA

As of 2025, there are approximately 70,000 Filipinos living in South Korea

1. This includes:

Permanent residents: Around 6,000
Undocumented individuals: Estimated 14,000–15,000
Temporary workers and students: The majority of the population

🇰🇷 Filipino Communities in South Korea

Filipinos are primarily concentrated in:

Seoul – Especially in areas like Hyehwa-dong and Dongsung-dong in Jongno-gu
Busan – A growing community of workers and students
Incheon, Daegu, and Daejeon – Smaller but active Filipino populations

Filipinos in South Korea are engaged in:

Manufacturing and industrial work
Healthcare and caregiving
Education and entertainment
Religious and community services

ITALY

As of 2025, there are approximately 165,000 Filipinos living in Italy, making them one of the largest non-EU foreign communities in the country

🇮🇹 Filipino Population by Region

According to the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies:

Lombardy: ~34.8% of the Filipino population (~57,420 people)
Lazio: ~27.4% (~45,210 people), including Rome
Emilia-Romagna: ~8.6% (~14,190 people)
Other regions include Tuscany, Veneto, and Piedmont with smaller but active Filipino communities.

Filipinos in Italy are primarily employed in:

Domestic work and caregiving
Hospitality and services
Healthcare and education

SPAIN

As of 2025, there are approximately 200,000 Filipinos living in Spain

1. This includes:

Filipino citizens: Around 40,000 officially registered in municipal records
Filipino-born residents: Estimated 57,498
Spanish citizens of Filipino ancestry: Making up the rest of the estimated total

🇪🇸 Filipino Population by Region

Here’s a breakdown of Filipino citizens by region:

Region	Filipino Population
Community of Madrid	17,471 (43.39%)
Catalonia	12,239 (30.40%)
Andalusia	3,372 (8.37%)
Balearic Islands	2,357 (5.85%)
Canary Islands	1,782 (4.43%)
Valencian Community	1,011 (2.51%)

Filipinos in Spain are active in sectors such as domestic work, caregiving, hospitality, education, and healthcare, and many are long-term residents or descendants of earlier migrants due to historical ties between the Philippines and Spain.

Through these, we envision to reach out all Filipino in Diaspora and call them back to walk to the Path of our Race on which Hilot can be a doorway in reconnecting them back to their ancestral root by embracing our own heritage and culture.

Embracing Life and Death: A Manghihilot’s Perspective

In our Code of Ethics, we have mentioned that we are Healthcare providers whose goals consist of prevention of premature death and disability, maintenance or improvement of life, maximization of
personal growth and development, and preparation for a good death.

As a manghihilot, our role is not to promise a long life to our patients. Instead, we offer something deeper—we help them embrace life fully, with all its challenges and transitions. We guide them to find comfort, meaning, and joy in every moment, no matter how difficult.

We do not see death as an enemy to be fought. Rather, we recognize it as a gentle guide—one that reminds us to live with purpose, to cherish our relationships, and to find peace in the present. In our healing practice, death is not the end, but a companion that helps us appreciate the beauty of life.

“It has been taught to us as Manghihilot, our role in caring is from the time of conception to the moment of transition from this plane of existence to the next life.”

In our tradition as Manghihilot, healing is not just a profession—it is a sacred calling. We are taught that our responsibility begins at the very start of life, even before birth, and continues until the final breath. Our care spans the entire human journey, from conception to transition, from the womb to the world beyond.

More Than Healing the Body

Our work is not limited to treating physical ailments. We are called to listen deeply—to the body, the spirit, and the emotions. We understand that true healing involves the whole person, and that pain can come not only from the body, but also from the heart and mind.

Honoring Life and Death

As Manghihilot, we do not fear death. We do not see it as something to fight or avoid. Instead, we recognize it as a natural part of life’s sacred cycle. We walk with our patients through every stage of life, including the final one, offering comfort, peace, and dignity.

A Tradition That Evolves

Our practice is rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors, but it is not stuck in the past. We continue to learn, grow, and adapt—bringing Hilot into the modern world while staying true to its spiritual essence. We believe that healing is a lifelong journey, and our presence is a gift of love and service from beginning to end.

Recently, a graduate of the Hilot Academy asked me whether we have any documented cases involving palliative care or end-of-life care within the practice of Hilot. Regretfully, I had to respond that we do not. The graduate pointed out that other traditional healing modalities have such documentation, while Hilot appears to lack it.

This absence is not due to a lack of experience or wisdom among Manghihilot, but rather a reflection of how our tradition has been preserved. Most Manghihilot have not been formally educated in colleges or universities. Their knowledge is deeply rooted in oral tradition and lived experience. They act rather than write. Their learning is carried in the mind and heart, passed down through narration and demonstration, not through modules or modern training materials.

This way of transmission is sacred and powerful, but it also means that much of our healing work remains undocumented. As we move forward, perhaps it is time to begin bridging the gap—honoring our oral traditions while also finding ways to preserve them in written form, so that future generations may continue to learn, grow, and share the wisdom of Hilot.

**“In the sacred silence between life and death, the Manghihilot does not surrender—he pleads, he prays, and he offers his soul in service, asking for one more chance to heal.”**

For the sake of documentation, I want to share a personal experience on how I, as a Manghihilot, have cared for a dying patient.

First and foremost, it is never our intention for a patient to die under our care. If that were the case, why would we devote time, energy, and spirit to preserving life? Our role is rooted in the belief that life is sacred and worth fighting for—even in its most fragile moments.

When a patient is facing a serious illness, it may seem that death is near. But as Manghihilot, we do not simply accept this. Instead, we plead with death—asking it to grant the patient another chance to live. It is a spiritual negotiation, a bargaining of life with death.

And if death allows the patient to stay, a promise must be made and fulfilled. This promise is not just a ritual—it is a sacred commitment to honor the life that was spared. In this way, our healing practice becomes not only physical but deeply spiritual, rooted in reverence for both life and the mystery of death.

**“In the quiet moments before farewell, the Manghihilot becomes not just a healer—but a guide, preparing the soul for its sacred journey home.”**

I remember my 80-year-old neighbor, Tata Piyo, who was undergoing dialysis for a kidney condition. His daughter, Ate Belen, came to me one day and asked for help in caring for her father. Despite his age and fragile condition, we chose to fight for life. As a Manghihilot, I did everything I could to ease his suffering—applying hilot pahid to relieve his pain, performing suob and paligo, and even designing a special diet to support his condition.

One day, Tata Piyo was in great pain. Ate Belen rushed to my house, asking me to attend to him. When I entered his bedroom, he looked at me and said in Tagalog, “Ihatid mo na ako.” I responded in a light-hearted way, “Where do you want me to send you? Don’t worry, when you regain your strength, we’ll go to Jollibee.” He laughed, gathering all his remaining strength, and replied, “Hindi, ihatid mo na ako sa ating Ama sa langit.”

I wasn’t prepared for those words. But I kept my composure and gently asked Ate Belen to call the rest of the family. I told them that Tata Piyo was asking to rest, and that the decision must come from them—not from me.

Together, we discussed whether to continue fighting for his life or to let him go peacefully. The family, acknowledging his age, his weakened body, and their readiness to accept his passing, decided to let him go. They remained composed, not wanting Tata Piyo to see them cry.

Everyone began preparing his clothes—underwear, socks, pants, t-shirt, and barong. I clipped his fingernails and toenails and gave him his last bed bath, ensuring he was clean and dignified for his journey.

At exactly 6:00 PM, Tata Piyo took his final breath.

This experience reminded me that as Manghihilot, our care extends beyond healing—it reaches into the sacred space between life and death. We do not just treat the body; we honor the soul. And in moments like these, we become witnesses to the most profound transitions of life.

Hilot Academy is now under New Management

For 8 years, Hilot Academy of Binabaylan has been an Educational Ministery of Luntiang Aghama that aims to preserve the Philippine Indigenous Spiritual Beliefs and Practices which goes well. Since Luntiang Aghama is a Religious Corporation Sole and the health of its Chief Priest and Founder which is Rev. Rolando G. Comon or better known as Apu Adman Aghama is not stable due to having stroke last 2022; It has been decided that we establish Bahay SiAdTala Binabaylan through a resolution which you can read below:

bahay siadtala resolution Download

Since from 2023, the home residence of our Deputy Chief Priest and Spiritual Healing Arts Director Lakay Magbaya Aghama in Taguig has been utilized as our Training Center for Hilot; Luntiang Aghama Natural Divine Arts Shrine of Healing Inc. has resolved to formally establish it through Charter/ Recognition and obtain its own Certificate of Incorporation to become a Judicial Personality. The main purpose of Bahay SiAdTala aside from being a Training Venue of Hilot Academy are as follows:

To assist members in Rediscovering their own Indigenous Ancestral Spiritual Lineage through Seminar, Training or Workshop.
To provide members means to Reconnect with their own Ancestral Spiritual Lineage.
To enable our Members to Relearn our Philippine Indigenous Spiritual beliefs and Practices; on which Hilot is part of that practices.

From this Resolution, Apu Adman and Lakay Magbaya Aghama becomes co trustee of Bahay SiAdTala Binabaylan.