Hilot is the art and science of the ancient Filipino healing traditions that are grounded on the concept of balance among the physical elements along with the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person. This practice includes the use of manipulations and massages that help in the prevention of disease and the restoration and maintenance of one’s health and well-being. Hilot also makes use of medicinal plants and bulong/orasyon (whispered or written prayers).

PITAHC convened the Technical Working Group to discuss the competency standard for Hilot, holding public hearings, and then presented findings to the Board of Trustees (BOT) for approval. The TWG subsequently convened to discuss the Guidelines on the National Certification of practitioners. PITAHC then held a Public Hearing for the Guidelines, presented these to the Board of Trustees (BOT) for approval before publication. PITAHC then organized a National Certification Committee for Hilot composed of representatives from
the following sectors: manghihilot, hilot practitioners or Manghihilot from recognized Hilot organizations, medical doctors who are hilot practitioners or Manghihilot and Hilot trainers from Accredited Hilot Training Centers.

In 2019 the  National Certification Committee for Hilot (NCCH) reviewed, approved and issued certificates to practitioners. The NCC for Hilot also conducts regular meetings to approve applicants, facilitates regular assembly for chiropractors and performs other duties and functions such as issuance of committee resolutions, etc.

As of December 2020, there are a total of 17 Certified Hilot practitioners.

The Science Behind the Modality:
PITAHC circular No. 01, Series of 2016, Guidelines Implementing R.A. 8423 IRR on the National Certification of Hilot Practitioners and Accreditation of Hilot Training Centers and Hilot Healing Centers
Competency Standard on Certification of Hilot practice and Code of Ethics
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m_o9L5OswVGsDF7F8rTA-31_st9Ro-0n/view

How to become a certified practitioner (Education and Training)

There are two types of Certification process for Hilot Practitioners, Manghihilot recognized by the Community and Practitioners with formal training.

Practitioners with Formal Training must submit the following :
Certificate of Registration
Certificate of training from PITAHC accredited training center
Duly accomplished form with documentation of at least 100 patients/clients with summary of cases and dates
Certificate of Recognition

For Practitioners not formally trained:
Established Manghihilot must have
acknowledgement of safe and effective practice by the community from the following:
Barangay Captain or Barangay health worker
representative from the locality in active practice
Third party reporting or community members who are in good standing in the area
affiliation/membership in any hilot/association
sponsorship by a recognized hilot organization
recognition may also made through recommendation/sponsorship of a PITAHC – recognized Hilot organization
Proven track record of effective Hilot practice for at least ten (10) years
Exceptionally gifted Manghihilot must:
have recognition through the recommendation/sponsorship of a PITAHC-recognized Hilot Organization
be actively practicing Hilot and have consistently exhibited exceptional healing abilities