In the journey of healing and spiritual awakening, understanding the nature of emotions and feelings is essential. These inner experiences are not just psychological—they are energetic, spiritual, and deeply connected to our soul’s health.
🌿 What Are Emotions and Feelings?
Emotions are instinctive, automatic responses to stimuli. They arise from the limbic system and include reactions like fear, joy, anger, and sadness.
Feelings are the conscious interpretation of emotions. They are processed in the thinking brain (neocortex) and include states like peace, resentment, or gratitude.
In Hilot Binabaylan practice, emotions are seen as energetic movements of the soul, while feelings are the reflections of the soul’s condition.
🔥 Can Pain Be an Emotion and a Feeling?
Yes. Pain exists in both realms:
As a feeling, it is the conscious awareness of discomfort—physical or emotional.
As an emotion, it is a complex response involving sorrow, grief, or trauma.
In spiritual healing, pain is a signal—a call to restore balance in the soul, body, and spirit.
⚡ Is It Normal to Have Mood Swings?
Mood swings are natural when they reflect life’s changes, hormonal shifts, or spiritual transitions. However, extreme or frequent swings may indicate:
Emotional imbalance
Soul fragmentation
Elemental disharmony
Hilot Binabaylan offers rituals and healing touch to ground emotions and restore inner harmony.
🎶 How Sensory Stimulations Affect Emotions
Food nourishes both body and soul, influencing mood and elemental balance.
Music opens portals to memory, emotion, and divine connection.
Visuals (art, nature, colors) evoke peace, awe, or healing.
Touch, smell, and movement activate emotional release and spiritual flow.
These are sacred tools in Binabaylan rituals, used to awaken the soul and invite the Diwata.
🌈 Emotions That Support Optimum Health and Spiritual Wellness
To live in holistic wellness, one must cultivate:
Joy – for vitality and soul expression
Peace – for grounding and clarity
Love and Compassion – for healing and connection
Gratitude – for humility and abundance
Hope and Faith – for resilience and divine trust
Even emotions like sadness or anger are sacred when processed with awareness and transformed through ritual and reflection.
🌀 Conclusion: Emotions as Sacred Messengers
Emotions and feelings are not weaknesses—they are sacred messengers of the soul. They guide us toward healing, connection, and spiritual growth. In the path of the Binabaylan, we do not suppress emotions—we honor them, listen to them, and transform them into light.
🙌 Call to Action
If you feel emotionally imbalanced, spiritually disconnected, or simply curious about your soul’s journey:
🌟 Join the Hilot Binabaylan Alignment Training Program 🕊️ Learn how to heal through touch, ritual, and soul wisdom 🌿 Reconnect with your seven souls and elemental energies 📍 Held every Sunday at Templong Anituhan ng Luntiang Aghama, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan
Let your emotions become your guide. Let your feelings become your prayers. Let your soul awaken to its sacred purpose.
In our tradition, healing is a sacred act — a gift from the Divine, the Ancestors, and the Spirits. It is a calling that we, as healers, answer with devotion, compassion, and deep spiritual responsibility.
Yet while our work is rooted in the spiritual realm, we live in the mundane world. We are not exempt from the realities of life — we have families to feed, homes to maintain, children to educate, and responsibilities to fulfill. The materials we use in healing — oils, herbs, candles, tools — are not freely given by the market. Water, electricity, and even the space where healing takes place all come with costs.
We understand that some may feel uncomfortable when healers ask for payment or offerings. But let us remember: healing is labor, and labor deserves fair exchange. Just as a farmer is compensated for the food they grow, or a teacher for the wisdom they share, a healer too must be supported in order to continue serving the community.
We do not sell healing. We offer our time, energy, and sacred presence — and in return, we ask for support that sustains our ability to serve. This is not commerce; it is reciprocity. It is the ancient practice of pasasalamat — a heartfelt offering in gratitude for the healing received.
To those who give generously: you are not just supporting a healer — you are nurturing the spirit of healing in our community. You are helping keep the sacred flame alive.
Let us walk together in understanding, compassion, and mutual respect. May our healing work continue to bless all who seek it, and may our community grow in wisdom, wellness, and abundance.
With love and light, Rev. Rolando Gomez Comon Chief Priest, Templong Anituhan ng Luntiang Aghama Founder, Hilot Academy of Binabaylan
n the evolving landscape of traditional Filipino healing arts, Hilot Binabaylan Practice stands as a sacred spiritual ministry—distinct from institutionalized wellness modalities. While agencies like PITAHC and TESDA have developed frameworks to regulate Hilot as a health and wellness service, Hilot Binabaylan remains autonomous, rooted in indigenous spirituality and protected under the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
Constitutional Protection of Spiritual Healing
The Philippine Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion and spiritual expression:
Article III, Section 5 “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed.”
This means that spiritual healing practices, such as Hilot Binabaylan, cannot be regulated or restricted by the State—unless they pose a threat to public safety or order.
When Can the State Intervene?
While Hilot Binabaylan is protected as a religious and ministerial practice, it must be exercised responsibly. The State may intervene only if the practice:
Endangers health or life (e.g., use of toxic substances, denial of medical care)
Violates consent or privacy (e.g., performing rituals without permission)
Disrupts public order (e.g., unauthorized public gatherings causing disturbance)
Engages in fraud or exploitation (e.g., false healing claims for financial gain)
These boundaries are not meant to suppress spiritual traditions, but to ensure ethical and safe practice for both practitioners and the community.
Hilot Binabaylan: A Sacred Vocation
Unlike vocational Hilot courses regulated by TESDA or PITAHC, Hilot Binabaylan is a spiritual calling. It involves:
Rituals, orasyon, anito communication, and diwata invocation
Ordination as Dayang, Lakan, Hilot Tanglaw, or Doctor of Ministry in Hilot Binabaylan Practice (D.Min.HBp)
Training under spiritual authorities, such as the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, Bahay Siadtala Binabaylan Inc., and Templong Anituhan Inc.
This ministerial path is not subject to government certification, but is governed by ancestral wisdom, cosmology, and spiritual ethics.
Why This Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference between regulated Hilot and Hilot Binabaylan is essential for:
Practitioners: To align with their true calling—whether vocational or spiritual.
Clients: To understand the nature of the healing they receive.
Institutions: To respect the autonomy of Indigenous Spiritual Practices and avoid overreach.
Preserving the Sacred
As we continue to honor and practice Hilot Binabaylan, let us remain vigilant in upholding its sacredness, ethical standards, and constitutional protection. This is not just a healing technique—it is a ministerial act of devotion, a living tradition of our ancestors, and a spiritual gift to the Filipino people.
WHEREAS, the Hilot Binabaylan Training Program has been elevated to a Master’s in Ministry Degree Program on Hilot Binabaylan Practice, reflecting its comprehensive curriculum on Indigenous Filipino Health Care Practices;
WHEREAS, Bahay Siadtala Binabaylan Inc., a Ministerial Center of Templong Anituhan Inc., has assumed full jurisdiction over the said training program;
WHEREAS, the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan recognizes the need for continuing professional development and mentorship to sustain and elevate the practice of Hilot Binabaylan;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Board of Bahay Siadtala Binabaylan Inc. adopts the following amendments and additions:
I. Master’s in Ministry Degree Program on Hilot Binabaylan Practice
Program Title and Jurisdiction The training shall be officially known as the Master’s in Ministry Degree Program on Hilot Binabaylan Practice, administered by Bahay Siadtala Binabaylan Inc., located at No. 88 Pres. Quirino St., Brgy. South Signal Village, Zone 6, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Eligibility for Enrollment
Open to individuals of any nationality with the capacity for independent decision-making.
Must possess basic healthcare knowledge, including Human Anatomy and Physiology and Vital Signs Taking.
Mode of Delivery
Conducted in-person and face-to-face, requiring physical attendance.
Enrollment Fee and Inclusions
Standard fee: USD 1,250.00 or local equivalent.
Includes:
Hotel accommodation
Five meals per training day
Learning materials
Certificates of completion and ordination
Curriculum Requirements Completion of the following modules is required:
Credentialing and Recognition Graduates shall receive:
Certificate of Completion
Ordination Credentials
Title designation of Lakan or Dayang, signifying membership in Templong Anituhan Inc.
II. Hilot Tanglaw Mentorship Program
Program Overview The Hilot Tanglaw Program is a continuing professional development initiative of the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, designed to elevate qualified Hilot Binabaylan Practitioners into Hilot Binabaylan Mentors.
Mentor Responsibilities As Hilot Tanglaw, mentors shall:
Provide Guidance and Advice
Offer Support and Encouragement
Facilitate Skill Development
Assist in Goal Setting and Accountability
Enable Networking and Opportunities
Serve as Role Models of integrity and professionalism
Enrollment and Application
Applicants must fill out a Mentorship Application Form, declaring:
Subjects they wish to mentor (may select all)
Number of students to be mentored
Scheduled training dates
Fee Structure and Remittance
Each student pays USD 1,250.00 for a 9-day mentorship program
Mentor receives USD 875.00 as stipend
USD 375.00 (30%) is remitted to the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan
Validation and Graduation
Upon completion, mentors shall schedule their protégés for online validation
Validation fee: USD 100.00, paid to the Hilot Binabaylan Council
The Council shall:
Conduct validation
Schedule graduation and ordination
Issue signed certificates and official seals
RESOLVED FURTHER, that this resolution shall take effect immediately and be disseminated to all concerned parties for implementation and compliance.
APPROVED this 16 day of August, 2025 at Bahay Siadtala Binabaylan Inc., Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Certified True and Correct:
Rev. Alvin L. Sentin D.D.Min. IFS IFM Co-Founder/Director on Local Community Affairs Relations/ Hilot Binabaylan Council
Rev. Rolando G. Comon D.D.Min. IFS IFM Co-Founder/ Program Director/ Hilot Binabaylan Council
Rev. Maria M. Haswell D.D.Min. IFS IFM Co-Founder/Director on International Affairs Relations/ Hilot Binabaylan Council
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:
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
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 Academy of Binabaylan 
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