The perception of community members on folk healing : The case of Barangay Pinili, San Jose City Nueva Ecija
| dc.contributor.author | Joyce Ann P. Gallo | |
| dc.contributor.author | Princess Mae Hidalgo | |
| dc.contributor.author | Jon Russel E. Leal | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-30T07:46:08Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-30T07:46:08Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Despite the rapid progress in science, technology, and medicine, there remains a significant preference among individuals in remote areas to seek the guidance of folk healers, commonly referred to as Albularyo. Folk healing practices in the Philippines are a significant aspect of the country's culture. The practice has been passed down over many generations and continues to be actively observed today, especially in the rural areas of the country just like in the Barangay Pinili, San Jose, Nueva Ecija. Due to the fact that the community is reliant on folk healing, this study is significantly contributing in knowing the community peoples' perception on folk healing. This study aims to answer the following research questions pertaining to the perception of the community members on folk healing. (1) What is the socio- demographic profile of the respondents? (2) What types of folk healers are the community people have experienced? (3) What are the factors that made the community seek treatment from Folk Healers? (4) How do the community people of the Barangay perceive Folk Healing? (5) How does the distance between the community people and folk healers affect their decision to seek treatment from folk healers? Moreover, the study utilized a quantitative method with a descriptive- correlational research design. In selecting the respondents, the researcher used a snowball sampling technique to select the 18 years old and above respondents, specifically those who have experienced consulting to folk healing. This study was conducted at the Barangay Pinili, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija utilizing a close-ended survey questionnaire as an instrument to gather data. The survey questionnaire serves as a tool in order to determine the perception of community members about Folk Healing in Barangay Pinili. The findings of this study reveals that the majority of participants were 51- 60 years old. The population is mostly Roman Catholic and a large percentage of people have graduated high school. Almost all the respondents don't belong to any organization in the community and the majority monthly household income of the respondents was PHP 5,000 and below. The result of the study reveals that the majority of the respondents on barangay Pinili are more likely to consult albularyo and manghihilot. It was also found that distance between folk healers and the respondents' home affects their decision-making on seeking treatment from folk healers. In terms of their experience, it was found to be positive. This demonstrates that they have personally experienced favorable health outcomes when using folk healers' treatments. Respondents also strongly agree that seeking treatment from folk healers makes them feel comfortable and safe. In terms of the perception of the respondents on folk healing, the study reveals that the respondents positively perceived folk healing. The majority of the respondents agree that seeking treatment from folk healers is not harmful; yet, the respondents also consider using a folk healing remedy if they had a health issue/concerns. These conclusions are drawn from the community’s responses and reflect their collective attitudes and behaviors towards folk healing from the respondents in the community members' of Barangay Pinili, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. The study concludes that the community members hold a positive perception towards folk healing practices. The Majority of the respondents were 51-60 years old. The Study shows that the Folk healing may involve gender and marital status dynamics, as seen by the slightly greater share of females and the large majority of married people. The population is mostly Roman Catholic, but the presence of other religious groups shows cultural and spiritual heterogeneity, which may provide new insights into traditional healing. A large percentage of people have graduated high school. The respondents' minimal community involvement may affect their social engagement and exposure to traditional medicine ideas and practices. The multiplicity of organizational affiliations, including senior citizens groups, women's organizations, and local governing institutions, shows how complex community involvement can affect folk healing perspectives. Additionally, monthly household income disparities highlight communal economic inequalities. Since financial constraints may limit healthcare resources and traditional healing practices, the economic disparity may lead to different views and customs. Occupational diversity, including farmers, housewives, and vendors, enhances the socioeconomic environment. The types of folk healers consulted, such as Albularyo and Manghihilot, are well-received, and the community feels comfortable and safe seeking their treatments. In terms of the respondents' experience with folk healers, it was found to be positive. This demonstrates that they have personally experienced favorable health outcomes when using folk healers' treatments. Respondents also strongly agree that seeking treatment from folk healers makes them feel comfortable and safe. Moreover, age and socio-demographic factors influence the community’s inclination towards consulting folk healers, with a notable preference among certain age groups. The majority of the respondents had an estimated distance of 1-2 kilometers from the folk healer's location. The proximity to folk healers and the availability of transportation significantly affect the community’s decision to seek folk healing services. As a result, the accessibility of transportation plays an important role in shaping their decision on seeking treatment from folk healers. In terms of the perception of the respondents on folk healing, the study reveals that the respondents positively perceived folk healing. The majority of the respondents agree that seeking treatment from folk healers is not harmful; yet, the respondents also consider using a folk healing remedy if they had a health issue or concerns. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://granarium.clsu.edu.ph/handle/123456789/613 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.relation.supervisor | MARIFE R. DE TORRES, PhD | |
| dc.title | The perception of community members on folk healing : The case of Barangay Pinili, San Jose City Nueva Ecija | |
| dc.type | Thesis |