Filipinos leaving their health to fate

Stepping Up to the Quack

To this day, many Filipinos believe that mythical creatures can cause them harm, oftentimes, leading to feeling ill. In some cases, people would go as far as to refuse to get checked in the hospital. Instead, they would seek the services of albularyos.

These folk healers—also called quack doctors—have become significant figures in rural communities where access to formal healthcare is scarce. This situation led people to rely on tradition and faith, adding that they also faced financial constraints.

Preserving culture or endangering lives?

Albularyos are regarded as a vital part of Filipino culture—traditional folk healers who claim to treat a wide array of ailments using herbal remedies, prayers, and spiritual practices while not professionally trained under modern medical educational standards.

Besides the cultural representations, their existence is posed with various questions. Most inquiries are about the dangers of unprofessional healing and its effectiveness.

The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) of the Department of Health stressed the need to regulate the albularyo’s practice due to the continuous unauthorized medication. This is to ensure public protection against medical malpractices.

PITAHC implemented the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 or Republic Act No. 8423, to acknowledge the persisting cultural practice while supporting it with scientific research. However, the bill did not have a greater impact.

A balanced solution

The deficiency in medical care and practitioners challenges the accessibility of health professionals. On the other hand, it also boils down to the affordability of medication, which leads people to consult quack doctors to heal their concerns. The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach to addressing Philippine healthcare.

The role of Albularyos remains deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, but balancing tradition with modern healthcare is a challenge. While the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act was a step forward in recognizing these practices, its limited impact highlights the difficulty of merging ancient healing methods with scientific advancement.

A more holistic approach is needed—one that honors cultural traditions while prioritizing public health and safety. Fortifying regulations, cultivating research, and encouraging collaborations between healthcare professionals and traditional healers can lay the groundwork for safety integrating these practices into the medical system.

By nurturing heritage and modern science, Filipinos can benefit from the advantages of both perspectives, leading to improved health outcomes without sacrificing cultural identity.

---

Layout by: Timothy Andrei Milambiling