MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a resolution directing operators of spa and massage clinics to have their massage therapists undergo training and pass licensure examinations by December 2014.
After the three-year window period of January 2011 to December 2014, no one will be allowed to practice massage therapy professionally in the country without a valid certificate of registration.
Dr. Kenneth Ronquillo, chair of the DOH Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy, said the massage therapy industry must be regulated because the boom of the spa service industry has led to exploitation of therapists and the use of the industry as a front for prostitution.
“There’s also a clamor from the industry to professionalize them because of exploitation... We want to see massage therapists who are well trained so that they can provide quality service. (The) spa business is booming,” Ronquillo said.
The training for massage therapists lasts for several months, almost as long as that for caregivers. The licensure examinations, on the other hand, are held every June and December.
Ronquillo said even those who have been practicing massage therapy for a long time should undergo formal training and acquire a license.