PALMT HISTORY

PALMT in the Beginning... With the continuing development in the massage therapy industry lead by the Department of Health come the creations of Philippine Association of Licensed Massage Therapy Inc. (PALMT). PALMT was founded by Mr. Pedro Vasquez II, Jevren A. Sibug, Emily Christie Belgira, Aida Gamis, Debbie Vasquez and with the help of Department of Health Accredited Training Institutions duly registered by Security and Exchange Commission last December 17, 2010.

The first move of PALMT is to make the organization be recognized by the Department of Health as massage therapy professional membership organization through having the highest number of members. Being recognized and accredited are two different aspects that PALMT should have worked for. Second, PALMT has to prove its dedications and service to the Philippine massage therapy industry to pass the accreditation requirements of DoH.

Despite of lack of resources and low public affirmation, on April 12, 2011, the first Philippine Massage Therapy Massage Congress was held in Loha’s Hotel, Clarkfield, Pampanga. The occasion was fully attended by more than 350 people who belong in the various sub-sectors of wellness industry such as licensed massage therapists, massage enthusiasts, spa owners, spa materials suppliers, and others related industry stakeholders. Likewise, the first induction of Board of Directors/ Trustees and Chapter Officers was conducted on the same event.

After a successful massage congress, the leadership of PALMT did not stop aiming to prove its commitment to massage therapy industry. On July 17, 2011 at Grand Opera Hotel, Manila, after several decades, the oath-taking of licensed massage therapy was finally administered by PALMT, in close partnership with Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT).

With only a span of six months, PALMT has proved its sincere dedication and commitment to massage therapy industry. Thus, on this day, PALMT is conferred by the Department of Health as an Accredited Membership Organization for Massage Therapy. As a result, PALMT has become the leading team up of Department of Health in implementing regulations and uplifting the massage therapy industry in the country.

To continually promote the Filipino excellence in the field of massage therapy, PALMT has attempted the first Guinness Book of Record for the Longest Seated Massage, held at Bayanihan Park, Angeles City, last October 30, 2011. The event was made possible through partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 3. This truly gives light and continuing glow in the massage industry The Department of Health and PALMT are in one goal in promoting the professional viability of massage therapy throughout the country. Some of the activities initiated by the organization are as follows; massive information dissemination of the new Administrative Order 2010-0034 revised the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Chapter 13 of P.D. 856 in various parts of the country, providing proctors for the blinds every licensure examinations, assist in giving information for instituting massage therapy regulations and guidelines, participates in some DoH major activities such as yearly valentine’s celebrations and anniversary, represent massage therapy industry, validation for applications of “Grandfather’s Clause” and other special events.

PALMT is also in close supervision with the DoH Accredited Training Institution in promoting the importance of being license massage therapist. Joint projects have been instituted such as the nationwide of giving 50% discount coupons to entice various spa owners to send their therapists for training educations. Speed up issuance of DoH ID license for newly licensed massage therapist. Assists training institutions in conducting massage therapy information seminar drive. To keep members attuned, www.sowwell.com is PALMT owned website that provides access and exchange of information to massage and wellness practitioners. The objective is to provide an avenue for the massage therapists where everyone who provides employment and seek for opportunity are mixed and match. PALMT has also initiated a publication of souvenir book for every oath-taking ceremony to provide a memorabilia to the batches of licensed massage therapists.

In the continuing effort of the PALMT leadership to enhance the professional image of its members, uniforms, logo pins, and membership id are now available for all members. Communication access has been also created to keep open conversation to all members such as yahoo group, face book, and sowwell.com.

PALMT believes on the value of networking and collaboration to uplift the organizational image and integrity of its members. The organization had gone long way in doing tie-ups with different government and non-government activities in making the Philippine health and wellness lively and attractive in the international market. PALMT is in active collaboration with Department of Health, Department of Tourism, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Local Government Units.

Since April 12, 2011 after the first massage congress and induction of the first chapter officers in Pampanga, various chapters has been created in Western Visayas, Mindanao, Luzon and National Capital Region. With the period of two years, PALMT has spread its wings to 32 Chapters across the Philippine archipelago. It is targeted that PALMT will have 100 Chapters by 2015. With current number of chapters, PALMT has more 1,500 members and continually increasing. PALMT has also embraced the sector of the blinds/ PWDs who practice massage to be integral part of the system of the organization. The organization is also equipping its chapter offices to respond to calamity relief operations and emergency cases to its members.

In promotion of unity among all massage practitioners, PALMT has conducted the first 3 days consecutive national convention held at Department of Health Convention Center last August 26-28, 2012. The event is full of seminars and activities where surprising large number of participants attended the event. Various personalities have shared their knowledge and expertise as well.

To strengthen the foundation of the organization, PALMT has appointed new sets of Board of Trustees to further heighten operational requirements, to improve systems and control, to increase networks and to create a line of succession of position for life-long existence of the organization.

To increase exposure and private partnership, PALMT has entered to negotiation with Aldritz Corporation, makers of the product of Pau Liniment and Pau Masaje. PALMT has gained nationwide exposure as it is included in the general advertisement of the company. TV and radio advertisements are also made possible in coordination with different entity.

PALMT continually grow across the country uplift the integrity of massage therapy industry and promoting professionalism among its practitioners. PALMT is advocating the Filipino massage therapists’ craftsmanship and excellence in both wellness and therapeutic massage practice for local and international opportunity.

These are the men and women who work and support to the Philippine Massage Therapy. Making Massage a Viable Professional to all….. PALMT WORKS FOR YOU….