1. PASSING THE GIFT: HEALING
MODALITIES IN AN AYTA
VILLAGE AT
FLORIDABLANCA,
PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES
Victoria N. Apuan Ph.D.
under the auspices of AUDRN

2. The Aytas are
among the over
180
ethnolinguistic
groups in the
Philippines.
ethn

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 1992

8. 2011

10. Documenting the Timeline

11. OUR INTEREST IN
WHAT THE HEALING BROUGHT
ERUPTION
MODALITIES

12. We marveled at how the women
helped the community heal both
physically and in spirit.

13. The role
of
women in
“rising
from the
ashes”

14. As farmers, they cleared
and replanted over what
was destroyed.

15. They displayed an easy process of
solidarity with other women

16. Rita Santos
Three of them strove to become teachers, developing pride
in themselves as Aytas

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

18. 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.

19. However, over 20 years,
the indigenous healers
began to die. Sadly, they
were not replaced. From
the 5 in 1991, only 2 are
left.

20. Is it because a
Health Center
was established
by the
Methodists?

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

22. There are still some women leaders still exert
influence.
Cherry Mely

23. 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.

24. Hence, this study.

25. 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)

26. 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)

27. OUR MESSAGE

28. 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!