The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) partnered with the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC II) to conduct Hilot Wellness Massage training for 24 clients and one staff member. All of them passed the Hilot Wellness Massage National Certificate II (NC II) assessment conducted on January 9–11, 2023.

The training of Hilot practitioners, or “manghihilot,” involves learning the concepts and philosophy of traditional healing, instilling an individual’s valuing process and their relevance to Hilot healing, and understanding the body’s functions. The education of the “manghihilot” is holistic, meaning it involves the biological, social, behavioral, and psychological aspects of life and living.

The training was held in the AVRC II from November 18 to December 15, 2022, led by the massage instructor, Ms. Soledad Azarcon, and assisted by the AVRC II massage instructor, Ms. Belen Robios. The NC II assessment held in ALU-TUCP Workers Training Center Foundation Incorporated was conducted by TESDA-accredited assessor, Ms. Lucille Alinsug.

The AVRC II staff participant managed to balance her work as a basic cosmetology instructor and being a trainee in this specific activity.

The passers are grateful to the AVRC II and ALU-TUCP partnership. They also shared that their success in the Hilot Wellness NC II was made possible through the prayers and efforts they put into the training and with the help and immense patience of their instructors.

“Dako kaayo ko ug pasalamat na natagaan ko ani na opportunity sa AVRC II pinaagi sa partnership sa ALU-TUCP. Lisod akong naagian sa training pero tabang sa paningkamot ug pag-ampo nahimong posible ang tanan (I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity by AVRC through its ALU-TUCP partnership. I went through a difficult time during the training, but perseverance and prayers made all things possible),” said Em Caballero, a female who is hard of hearing.

Aside from the NC II Certificate, the AVRC II clients have also gained indirect benefits from undertaking the Hilot Wellness Massage training. Some clients shared that the training was able to sensitize them to their varied adverse childhood traumatic experiences. They were able to overcome their fears and accomplish what needed to be done.

The clients with different disability categories, who were challenged by their limitations with sight and hearing, were not hindered from successfully fulfilling the training and the assessment through the assistance and guidance of the AVRC staff.

According to the clients, the training taught them an important lesson: FOCUS ON AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND NEVER WASTE TIME TO CONSTANTLY PRACTICE.  Indeed, hard work and believing in oneself, along with faith in God, lead to success. ###

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