At Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, we uphold the sacred responsibility of preserving and promoting Authentic Indigenous Filipino Traditional Healthcare Practices. Our programs are designed not merely as technical training but as a spiritual and cultural journey rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors.
Why We Require Initiation Before Advanced Programs
The Family Care Hilot Treatment Program is a Continuing Study Program exclusively offered to graduates of our Hilot Binabaylan Practice Master Degree Program. This prerequisite ensures that every participant:
Embodies the Core Values of Hilot Binabaylan Our 9-day initiation and training program equips practitioners with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitude necessary to uphold the integrity of Hilot.
Protects the Authenticity of Our Tradition We do not allow the integration of Hilot techniques with Western or other modalities. Combining Hilot with foreign practices risks cultural dilution and dishonors the uniqueness of each healing art.
Advances Our Advocacy, Not Commercialization Our mission is principle-driven, not profit-driven. Enrollment decisions are guided by our commitment to cultural preservation and spiritual integrity, not financial gain.
Our Stand Against Cultural Colonization
Modern spas often offer “Combination Massage,” blending different modalities without respect for their origins. We reject this approach. Hilot is a complete and holistic system that stands on its own—just as our ancestors practiced it for generations.
Policy for International Students
It is our established policy that international students enrolling in the 9-day Hilot Binabaylan Training Program are required to stay with us at our designated accommodation. This includes food and lodging, provided for the following reasons:
Safety and Comfort As visitors to the Philippines, we prioritize your well-being and security throughout your stay.
Focus on Learning Classes begin at 8:00 AM and may extend until 8:00 PM. Commuting daily would consume energy and distract from the immersive learning experience. Staying onsite ensures that students can fully concentrate on the training and spiritual journey.
This policy reflects our commitment to creating a safe, comfortable, and focused environment for all participants.
Our Commitment
By maintaining these standards, we ensure that Hilot remains authentic, genuine, and deeply rooted in Filipino Indigenous Wisdom, empowering practitioners to serve their communities with integrity.
The Pista ng Katutubong Gamutang Pilipino 2025 presentation is a powerful celebration of Hilot, the indigenous Filipino healing tradition that has endured through thousands of years of cultural evolution. From prehistoric Kalinga to the modern wellness industry, Hilot has remained a vital expression of ancestral wisdom, spiritual resilience, and community-based care.
Tracing the Roots of Hilot
The presentation begins with archaeological evidence of early healing practices dating back 709,000 years ago, when ancient Filipinos used rhinoceros parts for food and medicine. It then highlights the role of Babaylan, Manghihilot, and Albularyo—spiritual healers who used herbal medicine, massage, and rituals to treat physical and emotional ailments.
Hilot Through the Ages
Hilot’s journey spans multiple historical eras:
Pre-Srivijaya and Pre-Islamic Periods: Rooted in animistic and shamanic traditions.
Islamization Era: Hilot adapted and coexisted with Islamic healing practices.
Colonial Periods: Despite marginalization, Hilot remained the primary healthcare system in rural communities.
Japanese Occupation and Liberation: Hilot served as a lifeline for guerrilla fighters and civilians.
Martial Law Era: Hilot survived underground, preserving indigenous knowledge through oral tradition.
Modern Recognition and Institutional Support
The passage of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 (RA 8423) and the TESDA NC II certification marked a turning point in Hilot’s formal recognition. These milestones helped integrate Hilot into the national health and vocational systems, opening doors for professional practice in wellness centers, spas, and tourism.
🌀 Addendum: Reclaiming the Full Spectrum of Hilot Binabaylan Practice
While Hilot is now recognized as a wellness modality, key ancestral practices—such as spiritual healing, bone setting, and traditional midwifery—remain excluded from current regulations. This exclusion risks erasing the holistic essence of Hilot as practiced by our ancestors.
⚠️ Current Regulatory Gaps
Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are prohibited from conducting home births in many localities due to safety concerns and lack of formal training.
Bone setting, a core skill of Manghihilot, is not included in TESDA’s Hilot Wellness Massage NC II curriculum or PITAHC standards.
To preserve the authentic form of Hilot Binabaylan, we must reintegrate these ancestral practices into a regulated, culturally respectful framework. This ensures that Hilot remains a complete healing system, not just a massage technique.
🔧 Proposed Integration Strategies
Expanded Curriculum and Certification
Develop specialized modules on traditional midwifery, bone setting, and spiritual healing.
Partner with institutions like Templong Anituhan and Hilot Academy of Binabaylan to offer culturally grounded training.
Community-Based Health Integration
Recognize Hilot Binabaylan as community health workers, especially in underserved areas.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Utilize the mandate of RA 8423 to involve TESDA, CHED, DepEd, and PCHRD in creating short courses and degree programs.
Ethical and Safety Standards
Establish guidelines to ensure safe practice while honoring indigenous knowledge.
✊ A Call for Cultural Justice in Healthcare
The exclusion of bone setting and traditional birth practices is not just a technical issue—it is a cultural justice concern. By reclaiming the full spectrum of Hilot Binabaylan, we affirm the value of indigenous wisdom and ensure its rightful place in the modern healthcare delivery system.
🌺 Closing Reflection
Hilot is more than a healing technique—it is a living embodiment of Filipino ancestral wisdom. As we move forward, let us ensure that Hilot remains whole, respected, and empowered. Through education, advocacy, and cultural preservation, we can continue to heal, educate, and uplift our communities with the sacred wisdom of Hilot Binabaylan.
Hilot, the ancient healing art of the Filipino people, is more than just a massage technique—it is a sacred embodiment of our Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP). Rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors, Hilot is a holistic approach to healing that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, guided by the rhythms of nature, the presence of the Diwata and Anito, and the elemental balance of Apoy, Tubig, Hangin, and Lupa.
The Essence of Hilot as Indigenous Knowledge
In its original form, Hilot is a spiritual and cosmological practice. It is performed by Binabaylan, spiritual healers who walk between realms, invoking divine guidance and ancestral wisdom. Hilot is not merely about physical relief—it is about restoring harmony within the person and their environment. It includes:
Energetic diagnostics through pulse, heat, and intuition
Rituals and prayers to the Diwata and Anito
Herbal medicine and elemental therapy
Soul healing and spiritual alignment
This depth of practice reflects the Indigenous Filipino worldview, where health is not just physical wellness but a state of spiritual balance and ancestral connection.
The Role of TESDA and PITAHC
In recent years, TESDA and PITAHC have taken steps to promote Hilot as part of the national healthcare system. Their efforts have helped:
Provide training and certification for practitioners
Ensure safety and professionalism
Introduce Hilot to a wider audience seeking alternative wellness
These contributions are valuable and necessary. However, the institutional framing of Hilot has narrowed its scope, often reducing it to massage and relaxation therapy, detached from its Indigenous roots.
The Risk of Cultural Dilution
When Hilot is stripped of its spiritual and ancestral dimensions, it loses its identity as Indigenous Knowledge. It becomes a commodified service, disconnected from the cosmology that gives it meaning. This not only misrepresents the practice but also disempowers Indigenous communities who have preserved it for generations.
A Call for Dual Recognition
We advocate for a dual-pathway approach to Hilot:
Institutional Hilot – promoted by TESDA and PITAHC for therapeutic and wellness purposes.
Indigenous Hilot Binabaylan – preserved in its original form by spiritual communities like Templong Anituhan, emphasizing holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit.
This approach allows Hilot to evolve and reach modern audiences without losing its soul. It respects the sovereignty of Indigenous communities and honors the sacredness of Hilot as a spiritual ministry.
Protecting Hilot as Indigenous Knowledge
We call upon:
NCIP to uphold Hilot as IKSP under R.A. 8371
IPOPHL to protect its Indigenous Intellectual Property
Educational institutions to include Hilot Binabaylan in cultural and spiritual curricula
Healthcare systems to recognize the value of spiritual healing in holistic wellness
Call to Action: Join Us in Reclaiming Hilot
To deepen this conversation and celebrate the wisdom of our ancestors, we invite you to join our free online event:
🕓 Date & Time: November 8, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 📍 Platform: Google Meet 🎉 Event Title:Panibagong Sigla: Indigenous Healing Wisdom for Modern Wellness
This gathering will feature Hilot practitioners, Binabaylan leaders, and cultural advocates sharing insights on how Hilot can be preserved, practiced, and promoted in its full Indigenous form.
As the rainy season and colder months arrive, communities across the Philippines experience a rise in Influenza-like Illness (ILI)—a condition marked by fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Though not always caused by the influenza virus, ILI can be triggered by various respiratory infections, including COVID-19, RSV, and adenoviruses.
While modern medicine offers vaccines and antiviral treatments, Filipino Indigenous Healing—particularly Hilot Binabaylan—offers a holistic and culturally rooted approach to preventing illness and strengthening immunity.
🦠 What is Influenza-Like Illness?
ILI is a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms that resemble the flu. It spreads through:
Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
Touching contaminated surfaces
Close contact with infected individuals
ILI is not a single disease but a syndrome, and its prevention requires both physical and energetic care.
🌺 How Hilot Binabaylan Helps
Hilot Binabaylan is more than just massage—it is a sacred healing art that integrates:
Energetic balancing
Herbal medicine
Spiritual rituals
Community wellness education
Here’s how it supports immunity and prevents ILI:
1. Energetic Realignment
Hilot techniques like Panghihilot and Pagpapainit release stagnant energies and restore elemental harmony (Lupa, Hangin, Apoy, Tubig), which strengthens the body’s natural defenses.
2. Herbal and Natural Remedies
Binabaylan practitioners use indigenous herbs such as:
Lagundi for cough and fever
Tanglad and Luya for respiratory relief
Sambong for detoxification
These are prepared as teas, oils, or poultices to support healing and immunity.
3. Spiritual Protection and Cleansing
Rituals invoking Diwata and Anito help cleanse spiritual imbalances that may manifest as physical illness. Seasonal rites during Full Moon, Ghost Month, and Undas align the community with nature’s healing cycles.
4. Community Education and Advocacy
Hilot Binabaylan promotes preventive care through teachings on hygiene, nutrition, emotional wellness, and ancestral wisdom. The creation of Dambana ng Ginhawa serves as a communal healing space for rest and renewal.
5. Touch Therapy and Soul Activation
Through sacred touch, Hilot awakens the UliRat (life force) and Malay (recognition soul), activating the body’s inner healing intelligence and reducing stress—a key factor in immune suppression.
🌞 A Call to Action
As caretakers of both body and spirit, Binabaylan healers are called to lead the community in resilience and renewal. By integrating ancestral knowledge with modern awareness, Hilot Binabaylan becomes a powerful ally in the fight against seasonal illness.
Let us walk the path of healing together guided by the spirits, grounded in the earth, and united in the rhythm of life.
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:
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
Founder/Program Director
Rev. Maria M. Haswell D.D.Min IFS IFM aka BAE AKUMA
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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