Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe Archives

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Panag-a is a traditional fishing method in Hinigaran that involves draining freshwater ponds or streams and catching fish with bare hands, a practice especially common in the inland “ilaya” areas. It is a communal activity passed down through generations, teaching not only the physical technique but also a deep respect for nature and fish behavior. Historically, this method was essential for survival, serving as a source of food and bonding within rural communities. Although modern fishing has become more common, some residents still practice panag-a, especially during farming off-seasons, and pass it on to their children. However, panag-a faces challenges ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PAGHIMAEAD

Aklan, Jawili, Tangalan

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Paghimaead is a traditional palm reading ritual practiced by spiritual healers in Barangay Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan, used to predict a person’s future and guide their decisions. The healers perform the ritual by examining the lines on a person’s palms, always beginning with prayer to seek guidance and healing power. Many locals, including those working abroad, still rely on this practice for insight into their fate, and the healers often teach their patients how to do it themselves. Before modern medicine, spiritual healers were the main source of healing in the area, as many believed their methods were more effective and ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PANAGON

Aklan, Malay

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Panagon is a traditional fishing method practiced in several barangays of Malay, Aklan, where bamboo traps called taon are used to catch freshwater creatures like ulang, crabs, and fish. The traps are set in the river during the late afternoon and collected early the next morning, with bait made from roasted or crushed coconut. People of all ages and genders can do panagon, and the knowledge is passed down informally by observing older family members. Locals sometimes set up 30 to 60 traps and may stay in the uplands for days to get a better catch, especially during the peak ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PAGBULAD SA BATO

Aklan, Bagongbayan, Buruanga

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pagbulad sa Bato is a traditional fish drying method practiced by fishermen in Bagongbayan, Buruanga, Aklan, using flat stones heated by the sun to dry fish from both sides. This technique works through heat conduction, where the stones warm up and help dry the underside of the fish, while the sun dries the top side. Fishermen often use this method when they are away for days without refrigeration or ice, allowing them to preserve fish like tamban and tuna more effectively. The stones are abundant, reusable, and easy to carry, making the practice sustainable and practical. Though the method has ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PAG-BULAW

Capiz, Sigma

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pagbulaw is a traditional healing ritual practiced in several barangays in Sigma, Capiz, involving turmeric, charcoal, coconut shell, and specific leaves. The healer, called an albularyo, uses smoke, prayers, and turmeric applied on the patient’s body to treat illnesses believed to be caused by supernatural forces. Patients must avoid washing for 24 hours and pray for three nights to help the healing process. The knowledge of Pagbulaw is passed down through apprenticeships, where new healers learn by watching and assisting experienced albularyos. This ritual holds spiritual importance for those who believe modern medicine cannot cure certain ailments and is also ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

BUTANG – BUTANG

Capiz, President Roxas

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Butang-butang is a traditional healing ritual from President Roxas, Capiz, used to treat illnesses that doctors cannot diagnose. The healing involves offering food to unseen spirits or the souls of the departed, blending ancient beliefs with Catholic prayers. The ritual requires specific food offerings, a floating raft, and sometimes releasing a chicken tied with a red ribbon to transfer the illness away. The practice is led by a mediko, a folk healer who passes down knowledge orally to apprentices within the community. However, the practice is declining due to modernization and fewer young people interested in continuing it, though efforts ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

SINAMAK NGA PINYA

Agtambo, Iloilo, Passi

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Sinamak nga Pinya is a traditional pineapple-infused vinegar made in Barangay Agtambo, Passi City, using locally grown pineapples and spices like garlic, ginger, and chili. The craft dates back to the 1930s when pineapple farming began in the area, and locals created sinamak to reduce waste and enhance their dishes. The condiment is widely used in households, especially paired with dried fish, and is often stored in reused glass bottles. Both men and women, typically aged 15 and up, learn the practice through observation and hands-on experience with elders. However, its production depends on pineapple availability and is not always ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

TANDOK (TRADITIONAL HEALING PRACTICE)

Iloilo, Leganes, Napnud

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Tandok is a traditional healing method practiced in Barangay Napnud, Leganes, Iloilo, used primarily to treat animal bites by drawing out toxins using a carabao or deer horn and coconut oil infused with herbs. Passed down through generations, it is believed to extract venom or rabies through the horn’s suction, offering an affordable, culturally rooted alternative to modern medicine. The technique involves multiple cycles of horn application, cleansing, and reapplication until the wound is believed to be cleansed of toxins, followed by healing oil application. Despite its continued practice and cultural value, tandok faces criticism from health authorities due to ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

MANUGKIBIT/HILOT SA BALIKID

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Poblacion

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Manugkibit or Hilot sa Balikid is a traditional healing practice found in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, known for reflexology techniques used to identify and treat body ailments. Healers learn through observation and hands-on learning. The method involves reading hand pulses to locate imbalances or pain points in the body for massage treatment. Hilot holds historical, cultural, and socioeconomic significance, especially for rural communities without access to modern healthcare. However, the practice is declining as younger generations favor modern medical treatments and few practitioners remain, most of whom are elderly.

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PANGALAP/TRADITIONAL HEALING

Cabantohan, Iloilo, Lemery

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pangalap is a traditional ritual done during Holy Week wherein healers gather sangkap (materials) in the mountains. They often gather roots, plants, and branches, which is then prayed over and mixed with lana (oil). Afterwards, this concoction is used by healers in pamulong (healing their patients) such as hilot (traditional massage) wherein they use the lana to rub and massage their patients. Due to this ritual, healers believe that their lana contains spiritual properties that can help heal their patients.

PANAG-A (TRADITIONAL FRESHWATER BARE HAND FISHING)

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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