The Utilization of Edible Wild Food Resources of the Hanunuo and Buhid Tribes in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the utilization of edible wild food resources of the Hanunuo and Buhid tribes in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. Specifically, this determined the existing edible wild plants consumed by the indigenous inhabitants of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, documented the relevant information about the identified wild plants, and identified the nutrient composition of selected edible wild plants.

METHODS

Descriptive research design using mixed methods approach drawing on both qualitative and quantitative methods. This covered two Mangyan tribes in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, namely: the Hanunuo and the Buhid tribes. The quantitative part of this research summarized the socio-demographic profile of the participants, the botanical characteristics, ethnobotany and related information on the plants utilization. The qualitative portion was used to provide narratives on other knowledge of the participants related to the target plants and to describe the threats to the plant species.

RESULTS

This study documented 14 wild plant species which served as the sources of food of the Hanunuo and the Buhid Mangyans in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. Of the 14 plant species, seven were fruit crops, five were vegetable crops and only two were root/tuber crops. In terms of growth habit, seven of the identified edible wild plants were trees, four were herbs, two were vines and only one was classified as shrub. Both tribes generally gather food from the wild with the use of bare hands. Fruit is the most frequently consumed part of the plant. Boiling was the most common form of food preparation for the identified edible wild plants. The said tribes consume the wild food plants immediately after harvest since they do not normally preserve the gathered plants for future consumption. It also revealed that there is a diminishing traditional knowledge and practices about wild food plants among Hanunuo and Buhid Mangyans in the Municipality of Bongabong.

DISCUSSIONS

It was concluded that the identified wild food plants can be considered important in the dietary requirement of Hanunuo and Buhid Mangyans of Oriental Mindoro. The presence of important nutrients and minerals and other phytochemicals in the identified plants show the potential of these plants to become a good source of vitamins and minerals needed by the body.