In the Philippines, the integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM into the national healthcare and educational systems is guided by the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8423), which established the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Heart Care (PITACH). This law promotes the research, development, and regulation of T&CM, including its educational aspects (1).
Formal education and training in T&CM are primarily offered through higher education institutions and recognized training centers. Courses focus on practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, chiropractic, and naturopathy. Some private institutions also offer diploma or certificate programs in modalities such as hilot (traditional Filipino healing) and herbal medicine (2,3).
While there is no centralized curriculum for T&CM across all universities, PITAHC plays a crucial role in setting training standards, certification of practitioners, and accreditation of training programs. PITAHC certifies and accredits practitioners of acupuncture, hilot, and other traditional healing practices based on guidelines developed in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) (1,4).
Several schools, such as the Philippine College of Acupuncture, the Integrative Medicine Institute, and the UP Manila Institute of Herbal Medicine, provide formal and non-formal training in integrative medicine, acupuncture, and herbal studies [3,5]. The University of the Philippines Manila also offers training and research programs through its National Institutes of Health, which include the Institute of Herbal Medicine (5).
Organizations involved in this country’s accreditation of courses currently in our database:
- Philippines institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) – https://pitahc.gov.ph/
PITAHC is the primary government agency mandated by Republic Act No. 8423 (Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997) that accredits training centers and certifies T&CM practitioners (e.g., hilot, acupuncture, naturopathy). They develop national standards for T&CM education and training in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and Commission of Higher Education (CHED).
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – https://ched.gov.ph/
CHED is the primary government agency responsible for setting policies, standards, and guidelines for academic programs. Authorizing higher education institutions (HEIs) to offer degree or diploma courses, including those in Integrative Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, etc., when aligned with national standards. CHED does not directly accredit individual programs itself but recognizes accrediting bodies (such as PAASCU, PACUCOA) to conduct voluntary accreditation for quality assurance. CHED mandates compliance with its standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, research, and facilities before approving new programs in health sciences or related fields, including those incorporating traditional medicine elements.
- Department of Health (DOH) – https://doh.gov.ph/
DOH is the primary National health authority that oversees healthcare policy and regulation. Collaborates with PITAHC to develop national health strategies, including training regulations for T&CM and recognizes licensed practitioners and implements standards in line with PITAHC certifications.
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) – https://www.prc.gov.ph/
Governs licensing for professionals in regulated fields. While not directly regulating T&CM practitioners, PRC may recognize CHED-approved health professions that include complementary modalities (e.g., medical doctors, pharmacists with integrative health training).
- Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) – http://www.pacucoa.ph/
PACUCOA accredits non-sectarian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in various fields including health sciences and ensures academic quality in institutions offering integrative health electives.
- Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) – https://paascu.org.ph/
PAASCU accredits Catholic Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and health science programs where certain institutions with complementary health courses may undergo PASSCU review.
Reference
- Republic of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 8423: Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 [Internet]. 1997 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8423_1997.html
- World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine 2019 [Internet]. Manila: WHO; 2019 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/312342
- Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care. Accredited Training Programs [Internet]. PITAHC; [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://pitahc.gov.ph
- Department of Health, Philippines. PITAHC guidelines and licensing [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://doh.gov.ph
- Institute of Herbal Medicine – University of the Philippines Manila. Programs and Services [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://nih.upm.edu.ph/ihm