More than a century has passed since Physical Therapy (PT) started in the Philippines and yet, a great majority of the Filipino population (based on experience and mass media) are still ignorant regarding the Physical Therapy profession. It is the erroneous belief among Pinoys that Physical Therapists (PTs) are massage therapists - "masahistas" or glorified "manghihilots." This, despite the presen
ce of a national organization - the Philippine PT Association that was incorporated on December 26, 1964. And even the enactment of Republic Act 5680 - the Philippine Physical and Occupational Therapy Law on January 21, 1969. This created the Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy that facilitates licensure of PT professionals through the PRC - Philippine Regulation Commission. And now the recent news with the government's TESDA - Technical Education and Skills Development Authority encouraging participants to the massage therapy training, equating it to PHYSICAL THERAPY. Also, with several instances that journalists are feeding the ignorance of the public by erroneously calling massage therapists as physical therapists. This page is an effort to educate and inform the public regarding the healthcare services provided by PTs, their educational background, rigorous training, certifications and licenses. We look forward to the day when the Philippines wou would appreciate the Physical Therapy profession and the individual contribution of Physical Therapists in the communities where they serve.
