Socio-Cultural Sustainability of Traditional Healing Practices in the Mainland and Coastal Areas of Antique

Abstract

This research seeks to explore the lived experiences of the traditional healers in Tibiao and Culasi, Antique and its coastal areas of Mararison and Batbatan, determine the most common types of traditional healing practices as well as the pressing challenges and its continuity. Using a qualitative case study, visiting sites, reviewing research articles, in-depth interviews, were conducted with purposively selected experienced traditional healers. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: (1) The World of Traditional Healers with five sub-themes (a) Traditional Healing as a God -Given Gift, (b) Traditional Healing as Traditional Knowledge Transfer, (c) Sacred Responsibility of community well-being, (d) Traditional Healing as a Family Legacy and (e) Challenges and Continuity Through It All, (2) Traditional Healing: A Sacred Form of Blessing with two sub-themes (a) Energy Clearing and Restoring Harmony (Hilot, Pagbanyos and Pagtambal) and (b) Connection to the Divine (Panguli, Pang luy-a and Paghalad), (3) Traditional Healing: Preserving the Legacy with four sub-themes: (a) Intergenerational Transmission, (b) Record and Archive (c) Community Engagement and (4) Advocacy and Protection. Traditional healing practices presents the holistic, community-rooted systems of care shaped by indigenous beliefs, cultural heritage and centuries of traditions. The families of the participants are deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge, spirituality and community care. They focus on the holistic well-being, blending physical remedies such as herbs, medicinal plants and massage with cultural or spiritual practices to treat physical and spiritual ailments or issues. Parents and elderlies often involve their children in ensuring that the legacy is passed down through generations by means of cultural preservation and continuity. A total of 14 medicinal plants were recorded and identified by the 5 traditional healers to treat various ailments such as cough, colds, toothache, constipation, stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. Different parts of the presented medicinal plants were used to treat such ailments and illnesses. Challenges will always be there but preserving traditional healing practices in the Philippines is critical for cultural continuity, equitable healthcare, ecological sustainability, and community resilience, it helps counter cultural erosion and strengthens pride in Filipino identity.