Traditional Uses of Forest Plants in Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL)

AUTHOR(S)

MARY GRACE D. AQUE-MONSANTO

ABSTRACT

— This study documented the traditional uses of forest plants in Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL), Samar, Philippines from February to March 2025. Using descriptive research design with key informant interview, participatory rural appraisal particularly transects walk and focus group discussions, it reveals 122 plant species (55 families, 95 genera) across (4) four barangays, documented (5) five IUCN-Red Listed of Threatened Species. Donax cunniformis (Mamban) showed the widest distribution, while economically important species like Cocos nucifera (Lubi) and Musa acuminata (Saging) demonstrated moderate presence. The study documented the local communities’ traditional uses of forest plants served critical roles in food (130 species), construction (79 species), and traditional medicine (72 species). The study highlights the urgent need to integrate traditional knowledge with conservation strategies to protect both biodiversity and cultural heritage. Keywords — Ethnobotany, Forest Plants, Traditional Knowledge, Conservation, Philippines, CPHPL, Medicinal Plants, Biodiversity, Indigenous Practices, Sustainable Use