passing the gift healing modalities
DESCRIPTION
Rationale of research projectTRANSCRIPT
PASSING THE GIFT: HEALING MODALITIES IN AN AYTA VILLAGE AT FLORIDABLANCA, PAMPANGA,
PHILIPPINES
Victoria N. Apuan Ph.D.under the auspices of AUDRN
ethn
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
Documenting the Timeline
FGDs - 2011
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!