World Education Connect Multidisciplinary e-Publication, Vol. VI, Issue I (January 2026), pp,610-618
Authors
Dina Gien A. Sanchez, Andrea C. Gadin, Hanna Mae C. Peligro, Grace S. Baldono, Romelyn T. Noronio, Martin V. Wenceslao, Romulo D. Reas, Apple Mae L. Hermosilla
Abuyog Community College
Leyte, Leyte, Region 8, Philippines
Abstract
The Filipino understanding of child illness is a dualistic point that tends to merge the biological approaches to the disease with the traditional cultural interpretations. The infants and young children in the Visayan communities do not always have their illnesses explained using the biomedical factors only but rather are often explained using usog, which is a factor that culturally exists which is said to come about once a child is praised, talked to, or even approached by a particular individual. To counter this perceived evil, parents and other care givers mostly say the word pwera usog in a verbal way of defense.
This paper discusses pwera usog a cultural parental protection in Abuyog, Leyte. The research design the study uses is descriptive because it investigates the factors affecting the understanding of usog, the understanding of the symptoms of usog and the application of pwera usog in the daily upbringing of children. Findings reveal that while participants acknowledge biological causes of common illnesses, sudden or unexplained symptoms are often associated with usog. As a result, parents practice medical pluralism by combining traditional practices with modern medical care. The study highlights the continued relevance of pwera usog as a culturally meaningful expression of care, vigilance, and responsibility in contemporary Visayan communities.
Keywords: pwera usog, usog, child illness, parental protection, medical pluralism
https://doi.org/10.65494/pinagpalapublishing.115
