The Province of Siquijor has released a schedule of activities for the annual Healing Festival, its biggest tourist attraction, which happens every Holy Week.
Josette Armirola, Siquijor Provincial Tourism Officer, said the festival actually began on March 7 with the “Pangalap,” which literally means “to scavenge.” Healers from all over the country come to Siqujor at this time of the year to gather roots, leaves or tubers which will be processed into “medicine” or “lana.”
This concoction, when mixed together on Black Saturday, is expected to have the most potent effect for both good or evil.
The healers bring with them their provisions such as rice, live animals or root crops for their stay at the home of their “teacher,” which could last for one and a half months.
There are several such “teachers” who have followers in many parts of the country who come to Siquijor, also called “Island of Fire,” to recharge their healing powers.
Many activities have been scheduled by the Provincial Tourism Office, such as Holy Masses and public presentations by local government units during the Holy Week. There will also be a “Way of the Cross,” which is a walk to Mt. Bandilaan, Siquijor’s highest peak, on Maundy Thursday.
Thursday would also be the start of the action for the healers, as they start chopping the herbs to be used for their concoction. These sessions are held in various parts of the Province, mostly in the homes of the healers.
The action would climax on Black Saturday, where all the chopped herbs will be mixed and cooked into their medicinal oil.
Armirola said tourists or photographers who wish to take photos of the sessions may ask the local tourism officers for directions.
