For over nine years, Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, the educational ministry arm of Luntiang Aghama Natural Divine Arts Shrine of Healing Inc. (also known as Landas ng Lahi), has been a beacon of ancestral wisdom and healing. Since our founding, we have produced 64 Hilot Binabaylan Practitioners who now serve their communities across the globe—many of whom are part of the Filipino diaspora returning home to reconnect with our sacred healing traditions.
These students had the option to study Hilot through government-accredited institutions such as TESDA or PITAHC, yet they chose us. Why? Because our teachings resonate with their spiritual calling. They sought not just technical skills, but a deeper understanding of Hilot as a sacred art and science—a practice rooted in the soul of our people.
Reclaiming the Sacred in Healing
From the beginning, we made a vow: to share the personal and ancestral knowledge of Hilot, including the practice of Tawas—a spiritual diagnostic method used by traditional Manghihilot. We have demystified Orasyon, reframing it as Therapeutic Communication and Timing, recognizing that words and timing can profoundly affect the mind, emotions, and healing process of the patient.
In our academy, Hilot is soul healing. We believe that the health of the body is inseparable from the health of the spirit. When the soul departs from the body, life ceases. Thus, healing must begin with the soul.
The Struggle for Accreditation
In our early years, we wrestled with the idea of seeking accreditation from government bodies. I personally contributed to the development of Hilot curricula for institutions like the Hilot Philippines Development Center, a legacy school of Dr. Mina Gabor, former Secretary of the Department of Tourism. I also helped establish the Philippine Japan Hilot Association, which gained accreditation from TESDA and the Department of Tourism.
But when it came to Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, we chose a different path.
Why? Because the current accreditation standards forbid the inclusion of Tawas and Orasyon in the curriculum. They limit spiritual practices to Christian and Islamic prayers, excluding indigenous expressions of faith and healing. This reflects a colonial mindset that prioritizes physical health while neglecting the soul.
Standing for Decolonization and Spiritual Integrity
We teach decolonization. We honor the wisdom of our ancestors. We believe that healing is not just clinical—it is spiritual, emotional, and cultural. To conform to accreditation standards would mean compromising our identity and silencing the soul of Hilot.
Unless PITAHC or other bodies are willing to fund research that validates Tawas as a legitimate diagnostic method, we remain in a dilemma: Do we embrace autonomy or submit to colonized standards?
A Vision for the Future
Despite these challenges, we continue to dream. We envision a future where Hilot Binabaylan is not only an ecclesiastical degree in ministry but also recognized as an academic degree. We are committed to ensuring that our graduates are employable, empowered, and respected as Hilot Binabaylan Practitioners—both in the Philippines and around the world.
We walk the path of the Binabaylan: bridging worlds, healing souls, and reclaiming our sacred traditions. And we invite you to walk with us.
A call for alignment training program on becoming a Hilot Binabaylan has completed from March 23, 2025 to August 10, 2025. It’s 13 lessons for more than 13 Sundays that we have spent in order to form the necessary competency that an individual must have in order to become a Hilot Binabaylan. From our forms record there are 10 people who signed up but in actual formation only 6 people have complied.
Dante Nolido, Ge Ygay, Sasa Cabalquinto, Darlene Honrubia, Emman Castillo and Jerson Casol
These individuals coming from North NCR to South NCR who sacrificed their Sunday afternoon just to come to our Temple in order to received the Wisdom of Hilot Binabaylan. And through their hardwork and dedication in relearning the skills, they have successfully achieved the status on becoming a M.Min.Hbp or Master’s in Ministry on Hilot Binabaylan Practice.
And through their ordination we have established the Hilot Binabaylan Network which is a community of graduates and practitioners dedicated to the continued growth, support, and collaboration within the sacred practice of Hilot Binabaylan. This network serves as a platform for members to:
Share experiences and insights from their healing practices, fostering collective wisdom and deeper understanding.
Connect and collaborate with fellow practitioners across regions, enabling referrals and support for cases that require local or specialized attention.
Provide mutual support through dialogue, case discussions, and spiritual companionship, strengthening the bond among healers and enhancing their capacity to serve.
Uphold and promote the values of Hilot Binabaylan, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the practice in every community it touches.
Through this network, we honor the ancestral wisdom of Hilot Binabaylan and empower each practitioner to walk their healing path with confidence, connection, and compassion. Our Goal in establishing Hilot Binabaylan Network is to:
Foster Community and Connection
Create a strong network of Hilot Binabaylan practitioners across regions.
Encourage regular communication and collaboration among members.
Facilitate Knowledge Sharing
Provide a platform for practitioners to share case studies, healing experiences, and traditional wisdom.
Organize forums, webinars, and discussion groups to deepen understanding of Hilot Binabaylan practices.
Support Professional Development
Offer continuing education opportunities, mentorship, and skill enhancement programs.
Recognize and celebrate achievements and contributions of members.
Enable Regional Referrals and Collaboration
Maintain a directory of practitioners to facilitate referrals and support in nearby areas.
Encourage cooperative healing efforts for complex or unique cases.
Provide Emotional and Spiritual Support
Serve as a support group for practitioners, offering a safe space for reflection, encouragement, and healing.
Promote wellness and balance among members through shared rituals and practices.
Preserve and Promote Indigenous Healing Traditions
Advocate for the recognition and respect of Hilot Binabaylan as a vital cultural and spiritual heritage.
Engage in outreach and education to raise awareness about the practice in broader communities.
Ensure Ethical and Authentic Practice
Uphold standards of integrity, respect, and responsibility in all healing work.
Encourage accountability and ethical conduct among members.
Guiding Principle of the Hilot Binabaylan Network
“Healing in Harmony with Nature, Spirit, and Community.”
This principle embodies the sacred foundation of Hilot Binabaylan practice, which is rooted in:
Ancestral Wisdom – Honoring the teachings and traditions passed down through generations of healers.
Spiritual Integrity – Practicing with reverence, humility, and alignment with the spiritual forces that guide healing.
Compassionate Service – Offering healing with love, empathy, and respect for the dignity of every person.
Community Collaboration – Supporting one another through shared knowledge, mutual aid, and collective growth.
Holistic Balance – Promoting harmony between body, mind, spirit, and environment in every healing encounter.
The Officers of Hilot Binabaylan Network
Emmanuel Castillo President
Darla Honrubia– Vice President for Internal Affairs
Sasa Cabalquinto-Vice President for External Affairs
Ge Ygay– Secretary
Dante Nolido– Treasurer
Jerson Casol Jr.- Auditor
Hilot Binabaylan Network – Officers and Their Roles
President – Emman Castillo
Job Description: The President serves as the chief executive officer of the network, providing overall leadership, direction, and representation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead and oversee all activities and initiatives of the network.
Represent the network in official functions, partnerships, and public engagements.
Convene and preside over meetings of officers and members.
Ensure alignment of programs with the network’s purpose and guiding principles.
Provide strategic vision and decision-making for the growth of the organization.
Vice President for Internal Affairs – Darla Honrubia
Vice President for External Affairs – Sasa Cabalquinto
Job Description: The Vice Presidents support the President in managing the network’s operations, with Darla focusing on internal coordination and Sasa on external relations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
VP for Internal Affairs – Darla Honrubia
Coordinate internal programs, member engagement, and organizational development.
Facilitate communication among members and officers.
Organize internal events, trainings, and support activities.
Assist in resolving internal concerns and maintaining harmony within the network.
VP for External Affairs – Sasa Cabalquinto
Build relationships with external partners, communities, and institutions.
Promote the network’s visibility and advocacy efforts.
Represent the network in outreach activities and collaborations.
Seek opportunities for partnerships and resource mobilization.
Secretary – Ge Ygay
Job Description: The Secretary manages documentation, communication, and record-keeping for the network.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Prepare and maintain minutes of meetings, reports, and official documents.
Handle correspondence and announcements to members.
Maintain an updated directory of members and officers.
Assist in organizing meetings and ensuring proper documentation.
Treasurer – Dante Nolido
Job Description: The Treasurer oversees the financial affairs of the network, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage the network’s funds, budget, and financial records.
Prepare financial reports and statements for meetings.
Ensure proper collection and disbursement of funds.
Coordinate fundraising activities and financial planning.
Auditor – Jerson Casol Jr.
Job Description: The Auditor ensures the integrity of the network’s financial operations through regular review and evaluation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct audits of financial records and transactions.
Provide independent assessment of financial practices.
Recommend improvements for financial transparency and efficiency.
Submit audit reports to the officers and members.
and through their election, we have also official declare the creation of Hilot Binabaylan Council which serves as the spiritual and strategic advisory body of the Hilot Binabaylan Network. It is composed of esteemed elders and leaders who guide the organization in preserving the sacred traditions of Hilot Binabaylan, ensuring its ethical practice, and fostering unity among practitioners both locally and globally.
The Council provides wisdom, oversight, and direction in matters of cultural integrity, community engagement, and international relations, upholding the values and guiding principles of the network.
Rev. Alvin L. Sentin D.D.Min. IFS IFM-co founder/ Adviser on Local Community Affairs Relations
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
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.
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
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, 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. ✨
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.
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.
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
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.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 
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