FAITH HEALER: THE ALBULARYO
Faith healing is a widespread practice in the Philippines, with various individuals and groups claiming to possess the ability to heal through the power of faith and prayer. These faith healers are often seen as alternative or complementary healthcare providers in the country, and they play a significant role in Filipino culture and spirituality. The albularyo, who is competent in most folkloric modalities and is typically particularly skilled in the use of medicinal plants, may be referred to as the "general practitioner" in the hierarchy of healers and experts in Philippine folk medicine. Both the manghihilot and the magpapaanak are referred to by the confusing term hilot. The manghihilot is an expert in methods and therapies for musculoskeletal problems, fractures, and sprains. In addition to making prenatal visits and giving birth, the magpapaanak frequently performs the suob rite. Some healers only use more specific modalities when using folklore remedies.
The mangluluop specializes in diagnostic methods and typically refers patients to the albularyo, medico, or manghihilot for conclusive therapies after a diagnosis. The medico is a further specialization that combines traditional folkloric practices with elements of western medicine, such as acupuncture and "prescription" drugs. The term "witch doctor," "folk healer," or "medicine man" is known as "albularyo" or "albulario" in Filipino, which comes from the Spanish word "herbolario" (herbalist). They practice traditional medicine and rely on medicinal herbs for their livelihood. An albularyo is a "folk doctor" who treats patients with herbs and conventional techniques like massage and hilot. They are mostly found in the more rural areas of the Philippines. For treating ailments, their services are either first- or last-resort options. The albularyo's patient asserts that the practitioner possesses supernatural abilities that contemporary medicine does not offer. They are more reliable than practitioners of modern medicine because of this conviction. The albularyo is said to use black magic and curse people in addition to folk medicine.The albularyos use rituals and prayers called orasyon (from the Spanish oracion) to carry out their work. Additionally, they employ mixtures made from plant materials including leaves, bark, roots, and oils like coconut oils. These therapeutic herbs are sought for by pangalap, and their decoctions are made using pabukal. Albularyos also utilize pieces of paper with writing on them and their own saliva. Some ailments are claimed to be the work of lamang lupa who were intentionally or unintentionally harmed by the patient, while others are attributed to lamang lupa who were harm by the patient. The albularyo use tawas (alum) crystals to determine who is responsible for the ailments in their patients.
The albularyo can then utilize rituals and prayers to ward off the spirit and heal the sufferer of their illness. The majority of these healers believe that their profession is a gift from God or another supernatural person, and as a result, they frequently incorporate prayers and religious rituals into their healing sessions. These sessions are conducted through Holy Spirit mediation. They are typically based in rural areas, but they are also found in urban and suburban areas, albeit in small, isolated niches, to meet the alternative requirements of the poor or rural residents who have relocated to metropolitan areas. It is not surprising that many healing modalities exist in a nation with so many different ethnic groupings. The animistic and mythological attitude of the albularyos, who serve rural populations, greatly varies from place to region. Dwarfs, nunos, lamang lupas, tikbalangs, and kapres are among the mythological beings that populate the southern Tagalog regions. These entities frequently exacerbate the pathophysiological problem. Since these creatures are believed to be responsible for the diseases na-nuno, na-dwende, and na-lamang-lupa, many of the albularyo's diagnostic rites (tawas, luop) and therapeutic procedures (tapal, lunas, kudlit, pang-kontra, bulong, orasyon) are influenced by this concept.
The albularyo may still serve as the primary supplier of folkloric healthcare in the ethnic communities of the northern mountains, while the hilot is a well-known specialist and mode of treatment. The mythological creatures, however, are different. The kapre and the tikblang are amusing details of the Tagalog imagination, as they perform the "kanyaw," bleeding chickens as their blood drains on the perimeters of homes, to ward off evil spirits. Meanwhile, pigs are slaughtered in search of the proper kind of "liver," which will give hints as to the causes of human afflictions. However, whether in the highlands or the lowlands, the healers share a fervent religiosity in the God or spirits that direct them in their healing techniques. This religiosity is abundantly imbued with good doses of prayers, rituals, sacrifices, and/or bulongs or orasyons. While the majority offer daily consultations, some only work on Tuesdays and Fridays, the days of the week that fall on the Sto festival. They think their healing abilities are at their peak during Nino and the Black Nazarene feast.
In summary, faith healers are a significant part of the spiritual and healthcare landscape in the Philippines, serving as both religious figures and alternative healthcare providers. While some people experience positive outcomes from their interactions with faith healers, others remain skeptical due to the lack of regulation and concerns about exploitation. The practice continues to be a complex and multifaceted aspect of Filipino culture.