The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) plays a vital role in regulating and promoting traditional Filipino healing practices, including Hilot. For organizations and practitioners involved in Hilot, understanding the accreditation and certification process is essential for legal recognition, professional credibility, and ethical practice.
✅ Benefits of PITAHC Accreditation
1. Legal Authority to Operate
Accredited Hilot organizations are officially recognized by the Department of Health through PITAHC, granting them the legal right to conduct training and healing services.
2. Certification of Practitioners
Organizations can issue:
- Certificates of Registration to formally trained Hilot practitioners.
- Certificates of Recognition to community-recognized Manghihilot with at least 10 years of practice.
3. Accredited Training and Healing Centers
Accredited institutions may operate:
- Hilot Training Centers for formal education.
- Hilot Healing Centers in homes, clinics, spas, resorts, and hospitals.
4. Participation in National Health System
Accredited organizations help integrate Hilot into the national healthcare delivery system.
5. Representation and Advocacy
Organizations may nominate representatives to the National Certification Committee for Hilot (NCCH), influencing policy and ethical standards.
6. Protection Against Unregulated Practices
Only PITAHC-accredited entities are authorized to train and certify Hilot practitioners, ensuring safety and credibility.
🧪 Competency Assessment by NCCH
For Formally Trained Practitioners
- Completion of training from a PITAHC-accredited center.
- Submission of a portfolio with at least 100 patient cases.
- Passing a competency assessment that includes practical demonstrations and ethical evaluations.
For Community-Recognized Manghihilot
- Minimum of 10 years of practice.
- Endorsement by community leaders.
- Sponsorship by a PITAHC-recognized organization.
- Submission of a portfolio and testimonials.
Committee Composition
The NCCH includes:
- Manghihilot and Hilot practitioners.
- Medical doctors practicing Hilot.
- Trainers from accredited centers.
- PITAHC officials.
💰 Fee Guidelines
The official fee for the competency assessment is ₱500.00. This is a one-time application fee mandated by PITAHC Circular No. 01, Series of 2016.
⚠️ Reporting Overcharging Violations
If an organization charges more than ₱500 for the assessment alone:
- Request a Fee Breakdown to verify additional charges.
- Report to PITAHC with documentation (receipts, advisories).
- Contact NCCH for clarification and investigation.
Overcharging may lead to administrative sanctions and, if fraudulent, could result in criminal liability.
📞 Contact Information
To reach the National Certification Committee for Hilot:
- Visit: https://pitahc.gov.ph/hilot/
- Contact PITAHC via: https://pitahc.gov.ph/contact-us/
- Address formal inquiries to the Standards and Accreditation Division.
For more updates and resources, visit hilotacademy.com or contact us for assistance with certification, training, and compliance.