The St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Barangay Panay, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, has become a pilgrimage site due to a viral social media post about an artesian well that locals believe produces miraculous water. 

The water from the well continues to flow even when not in use. This has drawn people from various provinces, hoping to experience its supposed healing properties.

Many visitors believe that drinking the water has cured their ailments. 

“Dinala namin yung bata para may chance na may miracle din na mas mabilis na gumaling,” Mary Jane de Guzman from Candon City, said.

“Nagpapalpitate ako dati kapag mainit na mainit na, ‘yung hindi ko nako-control; tapos simula noon [na uminom ako ng tubig sa poso] hindi ko na nararamdaman,” Marieta Bael, a church helper, said.

Fr. Raymond Ancheta, the parish priest, allows people to collect water from the well and insists that no money should be involved.

PROBE

The church has opened an investigation into the claims and tests the water regularly to ensure it is safe for consumption. 

“Pari ako pero hindi ganun kadaling sabihin na ‘Oh, it a miracle.’ Hindi rin ganun kadali na i-dismiss mo na ‘Oh, it’s not a miracle.’ — it’s the quality of the water,” Ancheta said.

“Kung makakatulong, ‘di makakatulong, we term that as a phenomenon… it’s part of the nature na parang ang hirap i-explain by our naked eye, pero pwedeng i-explain yan ng siyensya,” he added.

NO PROOF

The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Region 1 said there is no evidence that the water has any health benefits or medicinal properties.

“Wala po tayong nakikitang ebidensya o pag-aaral na mayroong benepisyo ‘yung pag-inom ng tubig doon sa napakaraming sakit na nararamdaman ng ating mga pasyente,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, the spokesperson of DOH-CHD Region 1, said.

“Wala kasing ibang content [o] ibang gamot na taglay ang tubig, kaya walang ebidensya na nakakapagpatunay na itong tubig natin ay maaring gumamot sa iba’t-ibang klase ng sakit,” he added.