TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to boost wellness tourism and create alternative livelihood opportunities, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas has trained 34 residents of Baybay City in the traditional Filipino healing practice of hilot.
The training, dubbed “Filipino Brand of Wellness: Introduction to Filipino Massage ‘Hilot,’” forms part of the government’s push to promote indigenous wellness practices while supporting community-based tourism initiatives across the region.
All 34 participants, who are residents of Baybay City, completed the program, which introduced them to the core principles of hilot. The sessions included demonstrations of traditional rituals such as ‘tuob’ or ‘suob’ (herbal steam therapy), ‘hingut-an’ (head and shoulder massage), and proper foot care.
Participants also underwent hands-on training on basic hilot massage techniques for both the front and back of the body, including the proper use of banana or kasla leaves, which are traditionally used in the practice.
To help them start their practice, the trainees received start-up kits from DOT-8.
The Baybay City government also committed to provide additional support, including uniforms and portable massage chairs.
According to DOT-8, the initiative aims to equip residents with practical skills while enhancing the city’s tourism offerings, particularly in the growing wellness sector.
One of the participants, Richard Caña, said the training opened up opportunities even for those with full-time jobs. A member of the Baybay Emergency Response Unit (BERU), Caña shared that practicing hilot has become a source of extra income for him.
The program also aligns with the city government’s plan to establish wellness facilities in key tourist destinations in Baybay, further positioning the area as a hub for wellness tourism.
Officials said the initiative underscores the potential of traditional Filipino healing practices not only in preserving cultural heritage but also in generating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
