Folk Healing Festival draws public curiosity

CEBU, Philippines -  As the only island in the Philippines that stands out in folk healing, Siquijor still draws local and foreign alike during the 4th Folk Healing Festival on April 16-19 held at the mountain barangays in this island province.

Even if it is an old practice of traditional medicines despite the advancement of science and medicine but the government here is very optimistic in the promotion of this healing rituals attracting visitors to come and visit the place.

Mads Madsen of Rude Hawes 5, Denmark told The Freeman that Siquijor is on their list of Asia vacation holiday trips.

"We are eight Danish nationals wanted to see the beauty of Asia. Here in the Philippines, we consider Cebu, Boracay and Siquijor to visit within three months," he said.

"I am into natural healing and Siquijor really a unique place on this natural healing practice and I need to personally encounter this mysterious wonder in order to experience the true healing," he added.

Pete Lerpi? of Helsinki, Finland found favor in coming for third times in the island. He said he was healed in his skin disease.

A catholic Episcopal vicar, Monsignor Candelario Catubig said the folk healing practices of Siquijodnon is an instrument of God's healing process to some gifted ones.

Folk healer (mananambal) and gatherer (mangangalap) as popularly known in the village of Cantabon, Noel Torremocha said more plants in Siquijor were used as medicinal purposes.

Mang Noel's team gathered ingredients during the seven Fridays of Lent. They explore island's mountains, caves and seas and even churches and cemeteries. The team brewed all the gathered ingredients in the cauldron.

Herbalists and folk healers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for many years has been celebrating the festival by participating the chopping (adlip) and mixing of medicinal potions.  (FREEMAN)