04/03/2026
The Green Apothecary: Bridging Science and Tradition in Bulabog-Putian National Park
Under the dappled sunlight of Bulabog-Putian National Park, the air smells of damp earth and crushed leaves - a scent that, for 73-year-old Jose Dael, is the smell of a life’s work. On March 3, 2026, in celebration of World Wildlife Day, this seasoned folk healer of Barangay Moroboro, Di**le stood alongside conservationists, proving that the forest is not just a collection of trees, but a living, breathing pharmacy.
The species identification activity, spearheaded by DENR PENRO Iloilo and CENRO Barotac Nuevo, was more than a technical survey but an exercise in Ethnopharmacology - the study of how local cultures use the healing power of plants.
Forester Robert S. Solidarios, Chief of the Conservation and Development Section, reminded the participants that we cannot protect what we do not know. "Understanding these species is the first step to ensuring their survival," he noted.
Reynaldo K. Lamanero, Park Maintenance Foreman, described the park as a "natural pharmacy." Long before modern medicine was the default choice for remedies, these roots and leaves were the primary healers for the people of Di**le.
Mr. Dael represents a fading bridge to the past. For over 20 years, he has practiced the art of pangalap, the traditional gathering of medicinal plants to create cure for any ailments.
"In the old days, the forest provided everything," Dael shared.
Today, due to his age and the vital, strict regulations protecting the park’s biodiversity, he and many other healers have transitioned from "gatherers" to "gardeners," cultivating these wild species in their own farm lots to preserve both the plants and their practice.
During the trek, the team identified several key species. Modern science is now beginning to validate what folk healers like Mr. Dael have known for generations.
Among the most prominent species identified was Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), a staple in local healing for urinary tract infections; modern science, as noted in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, confirms its potency, identifying corosolic acid as a key compound for its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, the aptly named insulin plant (Chamaecostus cuspidatus) was documented for its role in managing diabetes, a use supported by the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, which highlights the leaf extract’s ability to lower blood glucose.
The team also identified the Philippine Fig (Ficus pseudopalma), an endemic species rich in antioxidants. According to the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, is traditionally used to treat kidney stones and diabetes. For digestive and systemic ailments, the Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) remains a cornerstone of folk medicine. While its leaves and roots are boiled into a decoction for abdominal pain, the Molecules Journal suggests its limonoids offer significant anti-microbial and anti-malarial benefits.
The survey further highlighted specialized remedies like the Anahaw (Saribus rotundifolius), whose fleshy parts are boiled for stomach distress, and the Salibadbad, a member of the Capparidaceae family. The latter is frequently used as a hampol (poultice) for headaches, a practice aligned with the known analgesic properties of its botanical family. Even the more intimidating species have their place, such as the Bulan-bulan (Dendrocnide meyeniana), or "Lipang Kalabaw." Though its stinging hairs are a cause for concern, research into its histamine content explores its potential in treating chronic muscle inflammation.
The list of forest finds continued with the Biri-bitoon, a go-to remedy for bughat (illness relapse) and hangin-hangin. Completing the identified species was the Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis), valued not only for its medicinal starch but also as a symbol of the park’s lush, prehistoric beauty.
The documentation of these species is only the beginning. As we face a global health landscape increasingly challenged by synthetic drug resistance, the natural pharmacy of our protected areas offers a reservoir of untapped potential. However, the survival of these Philippine endemic species and the ancestral knowledge attached to them, hangs in a delicate balance.
By bridging the gap between traditional hampol and modern pharmacology, we do more than just validate folk medicine; we unlock new possibilities for sustainable healthcare. Protecting our forests is, therefore, not just an environmental mandate, but a commitment to preserving a living library of medical solutions that have sustained us for centuries.
As Forester Solidarios aptly noted, knowing these species exists is the first step. The second is ensuring they remain rooted in the earth, available for both the healer’s touch and the scientist’s lens.
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