PASSING THE GIFT: HEALING MODALITIES IN AN AYTA

VILLAGE AT FLORIDABLANCA,

PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES

Victoria N. Apuan Ph.D.under the auspices of AUDRN

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The Aytas are among the over

180 ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines.

Often-mentioned in history books as one of the “first” inhabitants of

the islands, there was renewed interest when the volcano Pinatubo

erupted in 1991.

Our interest in the Aytas of Pampanga

• They are a doubly marginalized group. • I met them in 1991 as a member of the

support group to the victims of the disaster.

• Very few studies have been done regarding them, and very few have been done in a participatory manner.

Effective Methodologies – Then and Now

Methods of Sikolohiyang Pilipino - Patanong-tanong (asking questions) - Patingin-tingin (observation) - Participant Observation- Immersion- Pakikipagpalagayang Loob- Long Interviews- They can ask whatever I ask them

(reciprocity)- Chalk talk

1992

2011

Documenting the Timeline

WHAT THE ERUPTION BROUGHT

OUR INTEREST IN HEALING

MODALITIES

We marveled at how the women helped the community heal both

physically and in spirit.

The role of

women in “rising

from the ashes”

As farmers, they cleared and replanted over what

was destroyed.

They displayed an easy process of solidarity with other women

Three of them strove to become teachers, developing pride in themselves as Aytas

Rita Santos

And a few women healed ailments through their gift for healing – the mag-aanitos

One did not study to be a mag-aanito. One had to be “chosen”, receive

the “gift” from the Almighty through a

dream or going into a trance.

However, over 20 years, the indigenous healers

began to die. Sadly, they were not replaced. From the 5 in 1991, only 2 are

left.

Is it because a Health Center

was established by the

Methodists?

•Is no one deemed “worthy”?•Have the healing resources in the forest become sparse?

There are still some women leaders still exert influence.

Cherry Mely

With the passage of RA 8371, the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of

1997, all resources of the ancestral domain remain under the control of

the Aytas.

But with the Mining Act, possible healing resources are in danger.

Hence, this study.

Objectives & Expected Outcomes

1. Describe the current state of health and healing in the Ayta communities. (Outcome: Health situationer)

2. Preserve/document/share how the shamans see their role in the community. (Outcome: uploaded documentation of healing rituals/ practices)

3. Facilitate a discussion on how the community leaders envision a future health system. (Outcome: Health Plan)

Objectives and Expected Outcome

4. Use the local knowledge and share these with the younger Aytas and other young people who may wish to accept the gift of healing methodologies that are passed on. (Outcome, Powerpoint presentations, video)

5. Use the output for Sociology, International Studies and Religious Studies classes, starting with Miriam College, Angeles University, through the Mahara platform. (Powerpoint presentations, videos, lesson plans)

OUR MESSAGE

Addressed to the Youth:

• Don’t lose the resources that you have for your health and wellbeing.

• Don’t automatically succumb to what Western medicine has to offer.

• Dream of a bright future and healthy community.

RECEIVE THE GIFT!