The Mananambals and Their Functions in Philippine Culture

Abstract

This qualitative study attempts to look into the practice of folk healing used by mananambals or folk healers in Iligan City, Philippines. It also looks into the functions that these traditional practitioners serve in the Philippine culture. Anchored in the functionalist theory in anthropology by Bronislaw Malinowski and supplemented by the national folklore theory by Richard Dorson, this study attempts to answer the following questions: (1) What are the backgrounds and practices of the mananambals? (2) What do the mananambals’ background and practices reveal of Filipino culture? (3) From these reflections, what functions do the mananambals have in Philippine culture? Upon analysis, it was revealed that these mananambals obtained their healing abilities through supernatural means. In terms of diagnosing illnesses, they examine certain body parts and bodily functions, but still also ask for guidance from spirit guides. They cure illnesses by using certain folk medicines, incantations, and traditional massage. For protection from harm and illnesses, they use natural means but these are accompanied by amulets and trinkets. Moreover, it was found out that for Filipinos, health and illness are deeply rooted in spiritual and folk beliefs. More importantly, these mananambals remind Filipinos

of the value of community and spirituality.