Abstract:
Folk medicine refers to traditional healing practices anchored in cultural beliefs of
body physiology and health preservation (Wangkheirakpam, 2018). Its prevalent and
continuous patronage among Filipinos in rural areas, despite the availability of medical
facilities and services, is fascinating yet intriguing. Has the Philippine Healthcare remain
inaccessible? This research determines and analyzes the social factors influencing the
health-seeking behavior of selected participants in Tanay, Rizal, with regards to their
choice of medical aid; consultation with folk medicine practitioners. A thematic analysis
of the respondents’ interviews, had been employed to better interpret the obtained data.
Results show that the majority of the participants utilize folk medicine in adherence to
family tradition, and in conformance to the culture in rural areas. Furthermore,
participants argued that folk medicine is more accessible and more affordable for them.
This only indicates the inaccessibility of healthcare in the country; medical facilities and
the number of medical workforce remain lacking; it cannot fully accommodate, in its full
potential, the medical needs of Filipinos.
