Authors

Mariche B. Bandibas

Co-author

Proserpina G. Roxas

Co-author

Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Los Baños, College, Laguna
Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The dependence of many rural communities in the Philippines on herbal medicine represents a long history of human interactions with the environment. The use of plant resources as indigenous sources of cure for a wide variety of ailments has been part of traditional cultures, however, urban development and its sprawl into rural areas has somehow eroded this traditional practice. An assessment of the forest plant community within the vicinity of Lake Danao in the upland area of Naawan, Misamis Oriental was conducted to evaluate the status of biodiversity and ethnomedicinal value of plant resources and determine the community’s perceptions toward forest conservation. Standard methods in assessment of plant community structure were adopted. Knowledge, perceptions, and attitude of the respondents towards forest resources and ethnomedicinal plants were obtained through semi-structured interview. Extracts from five species of medicinal plants were tested for antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the disc diffusion method and using chloramphenicol as positive control. Sixty one species of trees, saplings and herbs belonging to 29 families were recorded in the survey. Acacia mangium, Leukosyke capitellata and Nephrolepis hirstula were the most numerically important plant species. Thirty-three out of 61 species have medicinal value to local residents which are used to treat various disorders. Antimicrobial test showed that Pavetta indica (galawan) and Bauhinia sp.(alibangbang) showed greater inhibitory effect against S. aureus and E.coli than other plants. Local residents generally appreciate the importance of the forest and the value of preserving it for the various services they provide. Traditional knowledge and appreciation of the indigenous value of forest resources can make a significant contribution to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.