BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — In a bid to strengthen the province’s growing wellness tourism sector and uplift the livelihoods of hilots (traditional healers) and massage therapists, Governor Jose Gambito has called on these practitioners to organize themselves into a single, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered association.
“By organizing into one group and registering with the SEC, hilots and massage therapists will find it easier to access government programs and assistance,” Gambito said. “A formal organization gives them stronger representation, credibility, and better chances of benefiting from livelihood and training opportunities.”
According to the governor, a unified, registered group can serve as a direct channel for government support, enabling the more efficient delivery of assistance, such as training, equipment, and financial aid.
Gambito also pledged that the provincial government would help facilitate the SEC registration process, removing bureaucratic hurdles for practitioners.
“Instead of dealing with individuals separately, we can channel resources and programs through one recognized organization. This makes monitoring, evaluation, and support much more effective,” he explained.
In Nueva Vizcaya, wellness and massage services are no longer just traditional practices—they are also becoming a sustainable source of income for many families. Moreover, they play a crucial role in enhancing the province’s tourism brand.
“Wellness tourism offers visitors healing and relaxation, setting our province apart from other destinations,” Gambito said. “When tourists stay longer to experience these services, local businesses and communities benefit, creating a ripple effect on the local economy.”
Recently, a three-day Filipino Brand of Wellness Training was spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DoT) in Region 2 in partnership with the provincial government through the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office.
The training, which gathered participants from DOT-accredited spa hotels, restaurants, homestays, and community-based tourism organizations across Nueva Vizcaya, focused on equipping participants with skills in traditional Filipino hilot, therapeutic massage, and customer service, while also promoting standards of hygiene, safety, and professionalism.
The DoT said that by aligning local practices with national tourism standards, the initiative aims to build trust among visitors and position Nueva Vizcaya as a wellness tourism hub in Northern Luzon.
It said that with the provincial government’s commitment to assist in SEC registration, hilots and massage therapists in Nueva Vizcaya are expected to take steps toward formal organization in the coming months.
If successful, this move could serve as a model for other provinces seeking to integrate traditional wellness practices into mainstream tourism and economic development, according to the DoT.
As Gambito aptly put it: “When our hilots and therapists are organized, they are not only preserving a cultural heritage but also contributing to the province’s progress. Together, we can make Nueva Vizcaya a destination for healing, relaxation, and Filipino hospitality.”