Ethnomedical documentation of and community health education for selected

Philippine ethnolinguistics groups: the Ata-Manobo people of Talaingod, Davao

Province, Philippines
A collaborative project of
Philippine nstitute of Traditional and Alternative !ealth "are, Department of !ealth,
#ta "ru$, Manila

%niversity of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila
%niversity of the Philippines Mindanao, &ago 'shiro, Davao "ity
()))

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
*e +ould li,e to e-tend our heartfelt gratitude to the follo+ing people +hom in their
o+n little +ay help in the completion of this study:

.oremost to all, to the great men and +omen of Talaingod - the Ata-Manobo
people - +ho unselfishly shared their ,no+ledge and e-pertise regarding the
use of medicinal plants/

To the employees and staff of the A0#'1 company for the encouragement
and free transportation service/ and
To the Planning and Development 'ffice staff of the %niversity of the
Philippines Mindanao2

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
E-ecutive summary (
'bjectives 3
ntroduction 4
Methodology 5
6esults and discussion 7
6ecommendations 48
6eferences 49
Appendices 4:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An ethnopharmacological study of the Ata-Manobo people in the municipality of
Talaingod in Davao Province +as conducted in ;une <::: to May ()))2 The study
included the documentation of materia medica, ,no+ledge, beliefs and practices on
indigenous healing, and photodocumentation and collection of plant specimens2 A
total of 94 plants and ( animal products +ere documented2 The study covered 3 sitios
in Talaingod2 nformation +as obtained from traditional healers, elders and mothers2
Documentation of herbal plants included the local name, parts used, indication,
preparation and direction for use2 Precautions and storage +ere also noted, if
available2 There +ere documented plants used for malaria, to induce abortion, for
menstrual irregularity, to enhance mil, production, among other diseases and
conditions2 *ith the help of three guides, specimens for 34 plants and forest trees
+ere collected in the area2 Most of the uncollected plants had long been gone and
rare to find as attested by the elder guide2 "ommon lo+land plants +ere not
considered in the collection2 0ogging companies had been the culprit in the
devastation of the natural beauty of Talaingod2 *hat is left in the mountain is a
barren land full of cogon grass +ith no trees at all2 There is a need to preserve +hat is
left in the forest, +hich provides the Ata-Manobo tribe their basic needs and sanctuary
for a long time2 "ommon health problems and diseases include malaria, dysentery,
intestinal parasitism, and respiratory infections2 A basic health education drive is a
must to uplift their a+areness in ta,ing care of their health2
KEY WORDS
Ata-Manobo
Ethnopharmacology
Ethnolinguistic
Materia medica
Philippines
Talaingod
Baylan
Busaw

INTRODUCTION
n the Philippines, there are more than <() distinct ethnolinguistic groups2 Ata-
Manobo is one of them2 Each ethnic group has its o+n rich tradition and practices
uni=ue from each other including those that refer to indigenous healing and the use of
natural products to treat diseases2 The use of medicinal plants has been their best
source of protection from various diseases for hundreds of years2 The degradation of
natural environment, coupled +ith the influ- of commercial medicines may result in
the loss of the healing traditions of the Ata-Manobo people2
There is a need to document the beneficial healing traditions of the Ata-Manobo, not
just to preserve it but also to ma,e use of it as potential medicine2 As +e all ,no+
most active ingredients in ma,ing medicines come from plants and other natural
e-tracts2 This research study hopes to pave the +ay to discovering ne+ and effective
medicinal substances2
The research study aimed to document ethnopharmacological e-pertise of the Ata-
Manobo people in the municipality of Talaingod, Davao Province2 0i,e+ise, the
project provided basic culture-appropriate health education for the Ata-Manobo
people, after the research +as completed2

OBJECTIVES
This research study aimed:
To document the materia medica used by Ata-Manobos, including both plant and
animal products/
To document non-material healing practices/
To conduct health education campaign for the Ata-Manobos/ and
To conduct advocacy +or, for the preservation and conservation of rich
biodiversity2

METHODOLOGY
The researcher personally did all the necessary preparations by +or,ing harmoniously
+ith the local government of Talaingod2 Essential papers and documents from the
mayor>s office +ere secured2 t +as the municipal administrator +ho recommended
#itio Misulong as the first study site for several reasons: its accessibility to
transportation, its reputation to be a non-violent sitio and absence of armed groups2
!onorable Ale-ander #ibogan, a municipal councilor and his family heartily
+elcomed the field +or,er to their home2 nitially, the field +or,er merely observed
the +ays of the sitio fol,s, having conversation +ith the leaders and engaging in
nightly drin,s (toma)2 After several months, other sites +ere visited, namely, #itio
Melyong, #itio "abadiangan and #itio ?aila+an2 These areas +ere part of the
ntegrated .orest Management Area @.MAA of the A0#'1 "ompany2 *ith the help
of the community organi$ers of the logging firm, the researcher had no problem
convincing the people on the intent of the project2
The major informants +ere selected based on their reputation of active practice of
traditional healing arts in the community2 t +as also observed that the traditional
healers or baylan ,ne+ only one or t+o of the herbal plants they commonly used2
Most baylans used the blood of chic,en or pig to cure common ailments along +ith
some incantation and indigenous rituals2 Elders, mothers and family health providers
+ere also considered as informants2 #ubstantial information +as gathered through
informal intervie+s and conversation using pre-tested =uestionnaires2 nformal
gatherings in the store and drin,ing sessions +ere also venues for data gathering2
!ouse to house visit +as also an effective +ay of data gathering as the +hole family
engaged in the discussion2 .ocus group discussion @.BDA of 9 to <( +as not a useful
method for data gathering as observed in the area2 Most people +or,ed the +hole day
in the field and returned in the afternoon feeling tired and ready to sleep2
The main data consisted of local name of the plant, medicinal purpose, plant parts
used, method of preparation and the direction for use2 Precautions and storage +ere
also noted2 Data validation +as conducted during a small gathering of 5 persons +ith
reasonable ,no+ledge in this matter2 Every participant could differ in herChis vie+s2
#ome fol,s could insist that certain plants are effective for a particular disease +hile
some fol,s could disagree2 To validate the information and samples a majority rule
+as employed through voting2 A total of 34 plants +ere collected, e-cluding the
common lo+land plants2 A healer served as the guide in the activity +ith t+o
companions as interpreters2 A lot of the plants and forest trees previously used as
medicines +ere no+here to be found in the area2

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
'6B1 A1D DEM'B6AP!D
Principally the inhabitants of Talaingod belong to the negrito groups +hich include
the Aetas of Eambales and the Atis of Panay2 They are the most +idely spread people
in Asia2 n the island of Mindanao, the Ata people are concentrated in the hinterlands
of Davao Province/ in the to+ns of ?apalong, Asuncion and Talaingod2 Bloria @<::4A
estimates that there are roughly 8,4)8 families of Ata people concentrated in
?apalong alone, the highest concentration of +hich +as in Talaingod, then a
barangay of ?apalong2 n the <::5 census of population, the Ata-Manobo cultural
group comprised 5)2:5F of the total population of <(,957 of Talaingod2
According to Bloria @<::4A, the Ata-Manobo designation +as created to reflect this
particular people>s cultural characteristics2
Talaingod is one of the sub-tribes of Ata-Manobo2 The other tribes are the 0angilan,
?aila+an, Ata-Matigsalug and Ata-Matiglubo2 According to the elders, they can
understand each other and spea, a common mother tongue - the Ata dialect2 Talaingod
+as rooted from t+o native +ords - tala meaning tribe and ingod meaning place,
hence, Talaingod is a place for the Ata-Manobo people, a place for them to ta,e refuge
and be counted as one2
Ata suggests a people +ho live in very high places or on top of the mountain2 t is
seldom for this people to admit that they are true-blooded Ata for it has a derogatory
attachment in it2 .eeble-minded lo+landers could easily brand this people as
ignorant, of lo+ mentality and cannibals2 They are al+ays a laughing stoc, and
ridiculed by others2
P!D#"A0 DE#"6PT'1 A1D "0'T!1B
#ome tribefol,s have the same typical Aeta or negrito features +ith ,in,y hair and
blac, s,in and are Mongoloid in si$e2 !o+ever, there are also some that have straight
hair, fair s,in and even mestizo features2 This may be the result of the intermarriages
bet+een other cultural groups particularly the Manobo people2
&ac, to its beginning, the Ata-Manobos +eaved their o+n clothes called dagmay
made from abaca fiber2 Through the years +ith the introduction of *estern clothing,
the dagmay are no+ a thing of the past2 6eligious missionaries, 1B's and the local
government distribute *estern-style shirts and pants to them2 During the "hristmas
season, the natives go to the to+n center to as, for "hristmas presents2 t can be
observed that they +ear their clothes until torn2 Torn jeans and shirt hanging to their
flesh serve as a protection from cold nights2 #eeing half-na,ed +omen meant no
malice to the community and a possible se- assault at any rate is negligible2 t is
during the proper age and after marriage that the tribefol,s discover and enjoy se-2
They consider se-ual abuse as a crime +ith a possible penalty of e-tradition and even
death2 The use of slippers, shoes and other foot garments are not a common habit for

the Ata-Manobos2 Even over rugged terrain and intensely hot path+ays, the Ata-
Manobos can tolerate the pain and scorching heat2
A sitio leader or the datu has a special +ardrobe created for him called the
kombinasyon for the upper garments and patadyong for the lo+er garments2 &oth are
made of conventional fabrics +ith cut cloth patterns and beads as design2 The
patadyong is just ,nee-level, and has multi-colored patterns of small cuttings of
cloths2 They +ear a headdress called tangkulo2 t has a design and pattern just li,e
the kombinasyon and patadyong but it has horsehair around for aesthetic reasons2
&eads around the +rist and legs are a common sight for men and +omen ali,e2 They
consider donning beads for beautification and as attraction to the opposite se-2 n
+omen sungol, a chain of beads clinging to both ears for beautification, are still
common among elders2
Men and +omen ali,e +ear tattoos termed as pangatab2 Tattooing has been practices
over the years using ,nives as tattooing tools and tree resin as color2 This pangatab
has a dual purpose/ first as an art and to loo, gorgeous to the opposite se-/ second it
symboli$es their being Ata-Manobo2 According to them, an Ata-Manobo should have
a pangatab on their flesh as an entry passage to heaven at the time of their death2
Tribefol,s +ithout a pangatab are not considered members of the tribe2 ntricately
designed tribal tattoo is commonly +orn around the arms, +aist, bust and the legs2
*'60D GE*
Tale of !ea"#o$
n the beginning there +as only a vast body of +ater covering the entire span of the
earth2 Then the great Manama commanded the giant bird alimokon to gather soil and
scatter it in the sea2 A giant earth+orm carved the soil into different landforms -
mountain ranges, the islands, and the various continents2 .lora and fauna follo+ed to
flourish2 This is the Ata-Manobo tale of ho+ the earth +as created2
#tories have been told that the first Ata +as created by Manama @Bod of the AtaA from
the blade of a grass2 They mentioned the names Tulalang, Age+, &aybayan,
Dini+ata, ?ala+ay and #anggayan as their original forefathers and the beginning of
their race2 These people +ere the chosen ones +hom the Breat 'ne saved during the
time of the great flood hundred of years ago, just li,e the story of 1oah2 After the
great flood a ne+ generation of Ata flourished and lived in the ne+ +orld, the +orld
they live in today2
They have their o+n deities, +hich they +orship in different occasions and times of
need2 During the beginning of the planting season, they give a present to ?alayag, the
god of harvest, to have a productive harvest2 Alimog,at is the god of +ater, +ho
provides them +ith potable drin,ing +ater and irrigation +ater in the farm2 !e is also
responsible for floods and heavy rains2 Every hunting season, a hunter has to please
the god of animals Timbalong to earn a price catch of various animals2 #trong +inds
and storms are attributed to ?alamag, the god of +ind2

Af"e!l#fe
n the course of my =ueries regarding their beliefs of afterlife, they believe that once a
person dies the soul could go either to heaven or to hell depending on one>s earthly
behavior2 !eaven for them is a place +herein all necessary needs is just +ithin reach
of the palm, a place for the dead family members to reunite eternally, everyone is
treated e=ually and is a place of eternal happiness2 'n the other hand, hell for them is
a place of misery, pain and suffering, a place +here bad persons +ill eventually go
after leaving this +orld2
E"'1'M"#
There is not much livelihood and money-generating +or, in this side of place2 Abaca
@hempA gathering (hag-ot) is the basic source of income in the communities of
?aila+an, Melyong and "abadiangan2 This is the easiest +ay of ma,ing a living for
them2 They do not need to tend the abaca to gro+ because it abundantly thrives in the
fertile forest soil2 People in #itio Misulong are engaged in small enterprises and tend
small sarisari stores2 They are also the ones +ho mar,et the abaca fiber in the
neighboring communities2 To augment the meager income from abaca fiber they
resort to planting corn and vegetables +hich normally produces less than the e-pected
output due to infestation by rats and insects in the field2
They still roam the forest and hunt for food using primitive tools li,e the bo+ and
arro+2 .or a day>s effort, seldom do they bring a catch of +ild pig (baboy halas) or
other animals that +ere abundantly present in the area many years bac,2 Bone are the
days of bountiful fruits and animals +aiting to be served bet+een meals as they recall
in the past years2 0i,e+ise, fresh +ater products li,e fishes and shells are no+
limited in the rivers and la,es2

The presence of the logging firm A0#'1 created a venue for employment and
additional income for the natives2 t is the strategy of the company to hire natives as
laborers and guides2 They +or, to plant tree seedlings, clean the area, and cut +eeds2
The company also provides livestoc, and seeds for planting2 #till, earnings are not
enough to feed a family2
The Ata-Manobos have limited or negligible handicraft products for trade2 They
,no+ ho+ to +eave bas,et (liyang) used for domestic purposes/ for gathering +oods
and harvesting2 A liyang costs 5)2)) to 7)2)) pesos each2 They are not good at
ma,ing sculptures and other tribal art +or,s either2
P'0T"A0
Each of the sitios in Talaingod has its o+n designated leader called datu. According
to the datus, they serve as mediator and problem solver in their respective bul+ar,s2
0ess serious problems li,e stealing and bra+l to more serious offenses li,e murder,
bigamy and concubinage are the most common problems being handled by the datus.
The penalty depends on the degree of the offense2 n resolving problems, the datu

and his circle of counselors conduct a meeting +ith the parties concerned2 The datu
tries to settle the conflict in a most diplomatic +ay giving both sides a chance to give
its o+n story2 !aving heard both sides, the datu +ith the help of his councilors give
the decision +hich is final and irrevocable2
A +oman cannot become a datu/ the designation of becoming a datu is a role given to
men only2 According to the datus, +omen have no guts and are +ea, in resolving
problems especially complicated ones2 They have the tendency to be overruled by
their emotions in ma,ing decisions2 n the past, the title of datu +as passed from
father to son2 1o+ a person can be a datu through a formal election procedure2 The
+hole constituents can elect their o+n datu, a leader +ho can spea, in behalf of the
majority and resolve problems diligently2
1#%6BE1"D
nsurgency has been a +ell-entrenched problem in Talaingod2 The mayor of
Talaingod Datu ;ose &alimba 0ibayao has publicly declared a total +ar against anti-
government forces in his area2 The place is +itness to countless encounters bet+een
government troops and rebel armies2 There +as a time +hen communities +ere
evacuated due to armed clashes2 Affected families built their temporary houses near
the municipal hall2
1atives can be easily convinced to join anti-government movement +here it involves
guns and ammunition2 At a very tender age, the natives are convinced to join the
rebel groups since they li,e to hold a pistol or a grenade2 The incident involving the
ambush of the A0#'1# employees is said to be done by rebel symphati$ers2 %p to
this date the tension still holds and recently, a bulldo$er +as burned2
#'"A0 "'1.0"T#
Pangayao, a +ord easily associated +ith Talaingod, is described in literature as atribal
+ar/ a total +ar against each other/ against anybody, +ithout mercy to anyone2
According to the natives, they did not ,no+ +hen and ho+ it started, yet its nature is
similar to pangayam or the act of hunting2 During the hunting era, they loo,ed for
animals to hunt using bo+ and arro+2 ;ust li,e in pangayao, a person hunts and ,ills
another person using bolo and bo+ and arro+2 t is a misconception to many that
+henever pangayao occurs, the person could ,ill anyone and respects nobody2
According to them, pangayao happens +hen there is an unsettled problem bet+een
t+o parties2 More serious offenses li,e murder and rape could lead to a pangayao if
not properly resolved2 As an act to avenge the death of a family member, the +hole
clan hunts for the suspected assailants2 1o+ they use guns and ammunition in
,eeping +ith the times2 These misdeeds are outside forces that contribute to the
economic struggle of Talaingod2

SOCIO%CULTURAL
MA66ABE 6E0AT'1#!P
n this land bound by traditions and ancient customs, it is difficult for the people to
change their +ays2 0i,e in a contemporary society, it is a familiar set-up to observe
the male as the head of the family2 There is a +ide gap bet+een the responsibilities
and duties of a male and a female2 .emales do all the household chores - coo,ing,
+ashing of clothes, cleaning the house and ta,ing care of the children2 n addition,
they do the harvesting, gathering of fire+ood, +eeding of crops and +or,ing outside
the community to earn money2
As the head of the family, it is the responsibility of the male to see to it that the family
has food to eat, a shelter to d+ell in and to supervise the e-penses of the family2 They
do the hunting for food, build shelter and +or, to earn money2 There are some
instances +here the females do all the house chores and still act as bread+inner2 This
holds true +hen the male has given a big do+ry to the female during the +edding2
This is the +ay of paying bac, +hat the male has given2
*EDD1B
Tribal marriage is called lapao. 1o courtship occurs bet+een the men and +omen2
Marriages are arranged2 t is up to both set of parents to discuss the marriage
preparations and the do+ry or bugay. 1either the man nor the +oman ,no+s about
the arrangements2 &oth concerned parties have no po+er or right to bac, out or even
persuade their parents to call off the +edding2
As both sets of parents agree to match their children in matrimony, a do+ry is defined
to meet the terms of the +edding2 A common do+ry as,ed by the bride>s parents is a
pair of horses2 !orses are considered a symbol of status in the community2 Money
and valuable things can also serve as do+ry2 *hen all the conditions for the marriage
are met by both sets of parents, the date is set for the +edding, usually during full
moon2 t is their belief that during this time their Bod gives the couple a bountiful and
happy married life2
DG'6"E
A tribesman can have additional +ives but only +ith the consent of the first +ife2
!aving an additional +ife is termed as duway. A tribesman +ith multiple spouses is
given has high regard in the community because of his ability to attract +omen and to
handle additional responsibility2 *ith the consent of the first +ife, a tribesman can
no+ propose to the parents of the supposed to-be second +ife2 The parents as, a set
of do+ry or bugay. As this do+ry is met, the marriage ta,es place2 n case of non-
approval by the first +ife, the husband cannot marry another +oman but it is very
uncommon to overrule the decision of the husband2 The burden on this practice is the
additional responsibility of the male to feed more people2 Despite the hardship and
poverty ta,ing a toll among the natives, many can manage to have multiple +ives2

*hen the +ife becomes a +ido+, she can remarry in her free +ill2 t is allo+ed in
their culture for a +ido+ to remarry, balo-balo in the local dialect2 n balo-balo just
li,e in common marriage, the +ido+ and her parents-in la+ set the do+ry2 *ith this,
the concerned tribesman +ho +ants to marry the +ido+ +ill have to give t+o sets of
do+ries, ie, to the +ido+ and to her parents-in la+2 The do+ry given to the parents-in
la+ serves as a return payment of the do+ry given by their dead son2 This ma,es the
act of marrying a +ido+ costly2 Det many men prefer to marry a balo or +ido+ for
they believe and consider a balo a good and tested +ife2 !aving e-perienced
marriage life, a balo can ta,e care of her husband and children +ell2 n addition, a
balo does the odd +or,s @eg, gathering fire+ood, building houses, gathering abacaA as
e-change for the do+ry given by the husband2 #ome young fol,s jo,ingly prefer a
balo to a young teen-aged girl as a +ife, for a balo has had e-perience in se- and
,no+s ho+ to handle se- life2
ED%"AT'1
0ac, of education is one of the serious problems being encountered by the lumads in
Talaingod2 Majority of the population 3) years of age and over have no formal
education2 During the first visit in the area, the barangay captain Datu 0inasod
#ibogan, 7)H years old, had to see, the assistance of his son "ouncilor Ale- #ibogan
to read the mayor>s permit2 Any formal letter sent to them could be used as trash2
#ome small-scale businessmen and investors ta,e advantage of their illiteracy2
n <::4, a primary school +as established in #itio Misulong, one of the <) schools
built in Talaingod2 The creation of this learning center helps children to read, count
and +rite2 The teachers are all non-natives, and have to go up the mountain to teach
and stay in the place for 5 days each +ee,2 #tudents coming from nearby sitios have
to +al, a fe+ ,ilometers to attend the classes everyday2 'ften the students feel the
need to =uit school and just help their parents in ma,ing a living2 The nearest high
school is in #to 1iIo, the lone secondary school in Talaingod2 Poor families find it
difficult to send their children to high school since this entails additional e-penses2
*ith their meager earnings, it is not enough to sustain the education of their children2
PHYSICAL ASPECT
The to+n of Talaingod is appro-imately 45 ,ilometers from Tagum "ity and <((25
,ilometers from Davao "ity2 t is accessible by motorcycle, jeepney and bus2
;eepneys regularly ply the route @Talaingod to Tagum "ityA2 The fare ranges from
P()2)) - P(52)) depending on the baggage and cargo of the passenger2
There are three barangays - #to 1iIo, Palma Bil and Dagohoy2 &arangay #to 1iIo is
the center of trade of the municipality2 t is here +here the natives sell their crafts to
the lo+landers2
The of ;&0 is named after the mayor, Datu ;ose &alimba 0ibayao2 The municipal hall
is situated in the mountaintop of Talaingod2 'ne has to ta,e a habal-habal
@motorcycleA to get there2

A fe+ ,ilometers a+ay from the to+n proper of ;&0 is the first site of the study -
%pper and 0o+er Misulong2 At first glance, one can notice a different ambiance and
setting compared to other sitios. t has a set of sarisari stores that sell instant food
and other home products2 At night instead of candles and gas lamps, some families
use electric bulbs2 This is made possible by a po+er generator, +hich runs from 7:))
pm to ::)) pm2 n addition, television has become a favorite past time for children
and +omen2 .or men there is the very popular video,e +ith a bottle of beer or li=uor
on the side2
#itio Misulong is a special sitio +aiting for a plebiscite to confer to it the status of a
full-fledged barangay. t has a primary school +ith three female teachers, all non-
Ata-Manobos2 There are appro-imately () - 3) pupils per class2 #ome pupils coming
from neighboring sitios have to +al, a fe+ ,ilometers to attend classes2 #itio
Misulong has its o+n +ater reservoir +hich +as built +ith the help of various
agencies li,e the ?apalong "ooperative Development .oundation ncorporated
@?"D.A, A0#'1, Davao Medical #chool .oundation @DM#.A, and the local
government2
#itio "abadiangan is about <) ,ilometers from #itio Misulong2 t is accessible by any
4-+heeled motor vehicle and the road is +ell maintained by the logging firm2 The
village settles atop a hill overloo,ing the to+ns of "armen, Panabo, #to Tomas and
part of Davao "ity2 As the sun sets and the moon slo+ly inches into the creepy night
one can observe the glittering lights coming from nearby to+ns2 t has no school
building, no +ater reservoir, and no generator2 There are a fe+ sarisari stores +hich
sell canned goods, but supply is irregular2 The +ater comes from a spring just a short
+al, from the village2 1one of the houses has sanitary toilets/ they just deposit their
+aste in the grasslands2
At the foot of Mt Masimalon, named after a bird called simalon is a place named
?aila+an2 t is a one-hour hi,e from #itio Melyong and cannot be negotiated by any
vehicle2 t is a small village +ith ()-(5 families living at the comfort and bounty of
nature2 t has no school/ no store and the people are content +ith +hat they have for
the day2 t is the family of Eduardo Enggatan +ho offered his home and served as the
foster family in #itio ?aila+an2
TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHY
BE'B6AP!" 0'"AT'1
Talaingod is situated in the north+est part of Davao Province2 t is bordered on the
+est by Davao "ity, on the south by the province of &u,idnon and on the northeast by
the municipality of ?apalong2 t is appro-imately 45 ,ilometers from Tagum "ity
and <((25 ,ilometers from Davao "ity @Provincial Planning 'ffice, Davao ProvinceA2

"0MATE A1D 6A1.A00
There are t+o climate types prevalent in the municipality, the second type and third
type2 #econd type is characteri$ed by no dry season +ith only pronounced ma-imum
rain period from 1ovember-;anuary2 The third type is characteri$ed by dry season,
not very pronounced and relatively dry from 1ovember to April and +et during the
rest of the year @Provincial Planning 'ffice, Davao ProvinceA2
T'P'B6AP!D
The area is mountainous and rugged2 According to the Municipal Planning 'ffice,
mountains steep hills comprise of 48F of the land area2 The rest are classified as
level, gently sloping, rolling, or hilly2
MATERIAL CULTURE
#ETT0EME1T PATTE61
Ata-Manobos +ere basically hunters +andering in the lush forest for food and
settlement2 After having settled in one place consuming all possible food in the forest,
they transferred to another place to loo, for food2 *ith the degradation of their land
and the depletion of food source, they have no+ limited source of their sustenance2
*ith the limited forestland left to roam and for hunting they engaged in trade and
s+idden farming2 1o+ they settle more or less permanently in one place2 Their
typical houses are lean-tos to deter +ild animals from attac,ing2 They live in cogon-
thatched houses made of tree branches and bamboo slat2 Abaca fibers and rattan
stems serve as nails and hold the +alls together2 There is no division inside the house,
they eat and sleep in one place2 Also the ,itchen is inside to provide them proper heat
during cold season2 A pair of gallons for storing +ater, ,itchen utensils li,e spoons,
cups, plates, and pots are al+ays present in every household2
n #itio Misulong lo+land type of houses may be seen2 The house of ?aga+ad
Ale-ander #ibogan has the design and influence of the lo+land2 "oncrete +alls and
iron roofs represent high status, po+er, and +ealth2
TDP"A0 .''D
;ust li,e in the lo+land, money still dictates the daily food consumption of every
family2 #ome families have the lu-ury to eat rice, canned goods and other
commercial products +hile majority of the families rely mainly on their farm crops2
t is a common scenario to see boiled camote, cassava and banana in the table during
mealtime2 They consider these root crops as a staple food2 *ith the diminishing
source of food, the natives are no+ engaged in planting and contour farming2
Gegetables li,e tomato, s=uash, and eggplants are planted in the farm, but this is not
enough for domestic consumption2 Many children are malnourished2 The former

Ata-Manobo hunter roaming and +andering for food eventually shifted to agriculture
just to survive2
CONCEPT OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS
A healthy person for them has a fat body, is able to +or, and has no ailment2 'n the
contrary sic,ly persons are thin, have no appetite to eat, al+ays feel tired +hen
+or,ing and are prone to diseases2 As observed they sho+ less attention to common
illnesses li,e cough, colds, +ounds and rashes2 Many children (-8 years of age
develop rashes all over the body2 #eldom do they administer medicinal plants for
these common illnesses2 The use of these medicinal plants according to them re=uires
tedious preparation that they sometimes do not have time2 They mostly rely on
commercial medicines readily given by the local government and A0#'12
According to the elders, bi$arre and complicated illnesses afflicting a person li,e a
sudden abdominal pain, rolling of eyeball, vomiting of blood and instant feeling of
hotness are some of the signs that the person is being cursed by evil spirits called
busaw2 A busaw usually lives in a balite or other big trees2 The busaw dra+s an
arro+ that passes through the body of the person causing severe pain2 At this
instance, the help of a baylan is sought2 The baylan uses chic,en or pig blood as an
offering to the offended spirits2 Along side are some prayers and rituals2 Today the
influence of a baylan has gradually diminished because of the teaching of religious
missionaries2 Missionaries try to inculcate in the minds of the people that paganistic
practices of the baylan are against the teachings of "hristianity2
'ther causes of diseases include the unsanitary and untreated drin,ing +ater coming
from natural springs2 This has caused severe diarrhea and stomachache observed to
be common among children2 &oiling of +ater is not a common practice2 n addition,
intestinal infestation is rampant in children2 This is mainly due to unsanitary habits
li,e not +ashing the hands before eating and +al,ing barefoot2
Men and +omen ali,e smo,e tobacco +rapped in ne+spaper prints2 At the early age
of <(, most boys start to smo,e, mimic,ing their smo,er parents and friends2
PRACTICES AND BELIEFS DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
t is common to observe pregnant +omen doing heavy chores such as gathering of
+ood, harvesting field crops and carrying heavy loads2 Many of them complain of
severe bac, pains and headache2 'n some occasions, miscarriage is inevitable2
!o+ever, miscarriage is believed to be a result of blood suc,ing evil busaw +ho eats
tender flesh2
During the time of delivery, the uyamo @local mid+ifeA assists in the childbirth2 n
case none is available, anybody can assist during delivery especially the elderly
+omen2 The pregnant +oman is laid do+n on a flat bed or floor2 The uyamo
delicately and slo+ly does a massage on the +omb of the +oman2 This practice is to

correct the position or alignment of the fetus for a smooth delivery2 A basin of
lu,e+arm +ater is used to bathe the baby2 To cut the umbilical cord, bamboo or a pair
of scissors is used2 The placenta is buried in the ground belo+ the house2 They
believe that by doing this, the ne+born child +ill not be a sto+-a+ay and such +ill
prevent the evil spirit from eating the placenta +hich can cause death to the child2
The baby then ta,es his first bath using alburya believed to give the baby a healthy
body2 The mother +ill have to rest for a +hile/ ho+ever, this is not compulsory2
#ome mothers confide that the vigor of +omen differs/ +hile it ta,es only a fe+ hours
rest for some +omen others could rest for a day or t+o2 t is a practice for them to
ma,e a concoction of plants to lessen post-delivery stress and continuous bleeding2 A
drop or t+o of breast mil, applied on the baby>s stomach +ill lessen air accumulation
inside the stomach, locally termed as butod.
MAKING OF THE BAYLAN
A baylan refers to the traditional medicine man of the tribe2 Aside from being a
medicinel man, a baylan is also a spiritual healer, and a soothsayer and is given a high
regard in the community2 To become a baylan needs no restrictions in age, se-, social
status and educational attainment2 'ne important common factor associated in
becoming a baylan is the spiritual guide they call an abyan. An abyan is an imaginary
being +ho guides and protects the man +ho o+ns the abyan. To the natives an abyan
possesses magical and +ondrous po+er2 At any moment and une-pected time, an
abyan just appears to a certain person, +ho serves as his medium2 #ome baylans had
encountered their abyan through a dream2 The person or medium undergoes a period
of trance +herein heCshe e-periences hallucination for some moment, then the
medium spea,s a voice not hisCher o+n but that of the abyans2 A person +ith an
abyan has the ability to see spirits of dead people2 The baylans duty is to intercede
for the sic,2 !eC#he performs rituals and says prayers to appease the offended spirits2
t is their belief that ailments and diseases are brought by bad spirits2 The baylan can
also foresee future events2

TABLE OF PLANTS USED
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Abaca @Ata, "ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
*ounds 0eaves Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
( individual
intervie+s
To enhance
mil, production
Plantlets Pull out +hole
plantlets2 #tab
trun, to collect
juice2
Drin, juice t+ice
daily for ( +ee,s
in a ro+ after
giving birth2
< individual
intervie+
Post partum
relapse
6oots #crape roots
into small
pieces2 &oil in (
glasses of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily2
< .BD of 3
rregular
menstruation
6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ and
s+allo+ the
juice2 "ontinue
ta,ing the juice
until menstrual
flo+ returns to
normal2
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Alagase @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Gomiting +ith
blood
6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 &oil
roots in 3
glasses of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once a day until
vomiting stops2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Alburya @"ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To increase
baby>s gro+th
&ar, Pound bar,2
Place bar, in a
pail of +ater2
%se mi-ture for
bathing the baby2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Aliliga @AtaA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
*ounds 0eaves Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Alom @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
!eadache 7-8 leaves !eat leaves
over lo+ heat2
Apply around the
forehead2
< individual
intervie+
#ore eyes &ar, "lean bar,2
#crape bar, into
pulp2 #=uee$e
to e-tract juice2
Drop juice t+ice
daily2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Anitap @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Post-partum
relapse
&ar, "ut bar, into
pieces2 &oil the
bar, in < cup of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Anonang @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
rregular
menstruation
&ar, *ash bar,
thoroughly2 &oil
in ample
amount of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily until
menstrual flo+ is
bac, to normal2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Anotong @AtaA


ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Malaria 0eaves Place leaves
over fire until it
smo,ed2
Place self in front
the smo,e if
possible trap
smo,e +ith the
use of cloth2
During the
collection
proper
ipdas #hoots Pound all plant
parts and mi-
them together in
a pale of +ater2
%se these in
ta,ing a bath2
3 individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Balunigay @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Gomiting +ith
blood
6oots Place roots over
fire until it turns
to po+der2
"ollect po+der2
Apply po+der
around the nec,
of the patient2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Balao-balao @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"ough &ar, &oil a handful
of bar, in (
cups of +ater2
Drin, decoction
three times a day2
< .BD of 5
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Banag @AtaA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for
use and
remar,s
#ource of
information
Post-partum
relapse
#tem *ash roots and
stem
thoroughly2
&oil in ( cups
of +ater2
Drin, decoction
< to ( days after
giving birth2
During the
collection
proper
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Balangati @AtaA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#na,e bite 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ the roots,
but avoid
s+allo+ing the
juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
3 individual
intervie+s
.racture #tem Bather dead
plant stem2 "ut
it into pieces2
!eat over fire
until it turns to
po+der2
Apply po+der on
affected area2
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Bukawi @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#tomach ache Gine "ut across the
vine to obtain
juice2 "ollect
half to <
tablespoon of
the juice2
Drin, the juice2 ( individual
intervie+s
*hite spot in
the eye
#tem "ut a portion of
the stem until
e-tract appears2
"ollect e-tract
in a bottle2
Ma,e 3 drops a
day until sight
returns to normal2
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Baselong @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"ough .ruit #lice fruit into
half2 "ollect
juice inside the
fruit2
Drin, juice once
a day2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Burakan @AtaA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"ough Gine "ut a section
of the vine
appro-imately
( to 3 feet in
length to
obtain juice2
Drin, the juice2 < .BD of 3
%lcer Gine "ut a section
of the vine
appro-imately
( to 3 feet in
length to
obtain juice2
Drin, the juice2 < individual
intervie+
Malaria Dead leaves Place leaves
over fire2
Place self in front
of the smo,e, if
possible trap
smo,e +ith the
use of cloth2
< individual
intervie+
Abortifacient Gine &oil a handful
of the stem in
3 cups of
+ater2
Drin, < to (
tablespoon of the
medication2
< individual
intervie+
!eat vine
over fire until
it turns to
po+der2
Apply the
po+der around
the +omb2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Bukal @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
'verstaying of
fetus
0eaves !eat leaves
over fire
until it turns
to po+der2
"ollect
po+der2
Apply po+der on
the +omb of the
pregnant +oman2
3 individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Barugo @AtaA


ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To increase
mil, production
Gine "ut a section of
the vine2 "ollect
juice and place
in clean bottle2
Put bottle over
lo+ fire2
Drin, juice as
desired2
3 individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Bungolan @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"ontraceptive 6oots *ash and clean
the roots
thoroughly2
"he+ roots once
daily2 "ontinue
use as desired2
( individual
intervie+s
Post-partum
relapse
6oots "lean roots
thoroughly2
#crape roots
into small
pieces2 &oil
them in (
glasses of +ater2
Drin, the
decoction three
times a day2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Bundoy @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#tomachache &ar, "ut bar, into
pieces2 &oil the
bar, in < cup of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Bilya @AtaA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Diarrhea Gine "ut a portion of
the vine to
e-tract juice2
Drin, juice daily2
"ontinue
medication until
condition returns
to normal2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: !alamokot @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Diarrhea 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ roots but
avoid spilling the
juice2 "ontinue
medication until
digestion returns
to normal2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: !urian

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Gomiting +ith
blood
&ar, "ut bar, into
pieces2 &oil
bar, in < cup of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
once a day2
"ontinue using
until vomiting
disappears2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: "so @AtaA, gabon @"ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Malaria #tem Bather a
handful of stem2
"ut stem into
half2 Place it
over lo+ fire2
#=uee$e the stem
to e-tract juice2
Drin, juice after
every meal2
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: #abi @"ebuanoA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
*ounds #tem Bet the outer
covering of a
stem 3-4 inches
long2
%se as a bandage2 ( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: #atas-gatas @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Gomiting +ith
blood
Gine "ut across the
vine2 "ollect
juice in a clean
bottle2
Drin, juice once
a day2
( individual
intervie+s
To increase
lactation
Gine "ut a piece of
the bar,2 #crape
the inner layer
of the bar,2 &oil
these for a
period of time2
Drin, the
medication as
desired2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: #ango @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To stop
bleeding during
delivery
&ar, or roots *ash roots
thoroughly2 &oil
in < glass of
+ater2
Drin, medication
once2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: $agimit @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
*ounds #tem Ma,e a small
cut across the
trun, to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
cuts and +ounds2
< individual
intervie+
To increase
number of
children
.ruits #lice (-3 fruits2
#=uee$e juice in
< glass of +ater2
Drin, medication
as desired2 These
fruits serve as
< .BD of 7

sumpa.
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: $agonoy @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
*ounds 0eaves Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: $ul-ag @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#ore eyes #tem "ut a piece of
the stem2 #crape
layer of the
stem until an
ample amount
is collected2
Put scraped stem
in a piece of
cloth2 Drop once
a day in both
eyes2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: $uwag @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To increase
erection
#hoots *ash shoots
then cut into
pieces2
"he+ the roots
and s+allo+ the
juice2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %angilan, @AtaA, ilang-ilang @"ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
.racture &ar, Mi- and boil in
( cups of +ater2
Apply decoction
on affected area2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: &ndalawe @AtaA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Toothache #hoots !eat shoots
over lo+ fire2
Apply the shoots
over the aching
tooth2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: &ndalokong @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#tomach ache &ar, &oil bar, in
ample amount
of +ater2
Drin, decoction
( times a day
until pain
subsides2
< individual
intervie+
Gomiting +ith
diarrhea
&ar, &oil bar, in
ample amount
of +ater2
Drin, decoction
as desired until
vomiting
subsides2
To stop
bleeding during
delivery
6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 &oil
in < glass of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
once2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'aanan @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#ore eyes #tem "ut a portion of
the stem to
obtain juice
(dagta).
Ma,e one drop
daily until eye
returns to normal2
( individual
intervie+s
#na,e bite #tem "ut a section of
the stem2
"ollect juice2
Drin, juice right
after being bitten
by a sna,e2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'aringag @AtaA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
!eadache &ar, Pound bar, to
e-tract juice2
*ith the use of
cloth, +rap the
shoots around the
forehead2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'apayawi @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#tomach ache &ar, Pound a handful
of the bar,2 n
< cup of +ater,
put the bar, for
a period of
time2
Drin, mi-ture
three times a day2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'abao @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
.ever 0eaves &oil leaves in (
cups of +ater
until half of
initial volume is
left2
Drin, decoction
t+ice a day2
"ontinue using
until fever
disappears2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'urid-kurid @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
&loated
stomach
6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
Pound roots
then boil in
ample amount
of +ater2
Drin, the
medication t+ice
daily2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'alagpangi @AtaA

ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Abortifacient 0eaves !eat leaves
over lo+ fire2
*rap leaves
around the
+omb2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'alambog @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"ough #hoots "ut shoots into
half, careful not
to spill the
juice2
Drin, juice three
times daily
preferably after
meals2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'alamoging @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#na,e bites Gine or
leaves
"he+ leaves2 Apply on bitten
area2
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: 'oyas-koyas @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Malaria 0eavesCstem Place leaves
over fire2
Place self in front
of the smo,e2
May use cloth to
trap smo,e2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %agitlit @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Malaria 0eaves Place leaves
over fire2
Place self in front
of the smo,e2
May use cloth to
trap smo,e2
< individual
intervie+

#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %aho @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Gomiting +ith
blood
6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 &oil
roots in 3
glasses of +ater2
Drin, the
medication
continuously
until health is
restored2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %amag @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
&ody pain #tem Place stem over
fire until it turns
to po+der2
"ollect po+der2
Apply it on
aching area2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %awot @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Abortifacient #tem and
leaves
Bather a
handful of
either stem or
leaves2 &oil in (
glasses of +ater2
Apply decoction
around the
+omb2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %ina-ubod @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA Preparation Direction for use #ource of

used and remar,s information
Diarrhea 6oots Mi- a handful
of both
ingredients2 "ut
them into
pieces2 &oil in
( cups of +ater
until half of
initial volume is
left2
Drin, decoction
t+ice a day until
illness subsides2
< individual
intervie+
"entipede bite &ar, Pound bar, to
e-tract juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
( individual
intervie+
Malaria 0eaves &oil a handful
of leaves of
both plants in
ample amount
of +ater2
As the decoction
simmers, place
self in front of
the steam2 f
possible, trap
steam +ith the
use of cloth2 %se
the remaining
decoction for
ta,ing a bath2
< .BD of 5
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %umpogid @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#na,e bite 6oots Pound roots and
shoots to e-tract
juice2 Mi-ed
both ingredients
in a glass of
+ater2
Drin, half of the
mi-ture +hile
apply the other
half on the bitten
area2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %upit @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"olds &ar, *ash and clean
thoroughly the
bar,2 Pound to
e-tract juice2
Drin, the juice
once a day until
symptom
disappears2
< individual
intervie+

#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: %uway @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To induce
delivery
.ruits Bather fruits2
!eat them over
fire2 Po+der2
Apply po+der
around the
+omb2
< .BD of 4
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: (alagatas @AtaA, deta @"ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Malaria &ar, "lean roots
thoroughly2 &oil
bar, in ( cups
of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily until
the patient is
+ell2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: (akabulotot @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#na,e bites 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ roots but
avoid
s+allo+ing the
juice
Apply on bitten
area2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: (ala-buaya @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
)ayuma 0eaves !eat leaves
over lo+ fire2
*rap leaves on
affected area2
< .BD of 7
&oil #tem Place stem over
fire until it turns
to po+der2
Apply po+der
around affected
area2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: (amakao @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA Preparation Direction for use #ource of

used and remar,s information
Abortifacient &ar, *ash bar,
thoroughly2
#crape layer of
the bar, until an
ample amount
is collected2 Put
bar, in < glass
of +ater for a
period of time2
Ta,e medication
t+ice a day2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: (ansalawaka @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#na,e bite &ar, or
0eaves
Pound bar, or
leaves to e-tract
juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: (anuba @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Malaria 0eaves &oil a handful
leaves plants in
ample amount
of +ater2
As the decoction
simmers, place
self in front of
the steam2 f
possible, trap
steam +ith the
use of cloth2 %se
the remaining
decoction for
bathing2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: (araba @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA Preparation Direction for use #ource of

used and remar,s information
!eadache #hoots Bather a
handful of
shoots2 Pound
to e-tract juice2
*ith use of cloth,
+rap the shoots
around the
forehead2
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: *arra @Ata, "ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
*ounds &ar, "ut a section of
the trun, to
e-tract juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Pamaton @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Post partum
relapse
Gine "ut a section of
the vine to
collect the juice2
Drin, the juice <
day after giving
birth2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Pangibion @AtaA, makahiya @"ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"ontraceptive #tem *ash and clean
the stem
thoroughly2
"he+ stem once
daily2 "ontinue
use as desired2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Pako @Ata, "ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Post partum
relapse
6oots "ollect a
handful of the
roots2 &oil roots
in one cup of
+ater2
Drin, the
decoction three
times a day2
"ontinue use
until +ell2
< individual
intervie+

#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Pakutob @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Diarrhea &ar, #crape bar, into
pieces2 Place
bar, in one
glass of +ater
until it turns
red2
Drin, mi-ture
once daily2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Papaya @Ata, "ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Abortifacient 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ roots and
s+allo+ the juice
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Pinya
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Abortifacient 0eaves *ash leaves2
&oil in ample
amount of +ater
until half of
initial volume is
left2
Drin, decoction
once a day2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Pogid @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
%sed
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Muscle pain Gine Place vine over
fire until it turns
to po+der2
"ollect po+der2
Apply po+der on
aching area2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:

0ocal name@sA: Pogol @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
ipdas &ar, Pound plant
materialand
place in a pail
of +ater2
%se in ta,ing a
bath2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Payao @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"entipede bites 0eaves Pound leaves to
e-tract juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: Pole @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To enhance
mil, production
&ar, "ut a section of
the bar,2 &oil in
< glass of +ater2
Drin, medication
during lactation2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: +alab @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Enhance
e-cretion
#tem Place stem over
fire until it turns
to po+der2
Place po+der in
< glass of +ater2
Drin, mi-ture
once until
digestion returns
to normal2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: +alakati @AtaA, kamantigue @"ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA Preparation Direction for use #ource of

used and remar,s information
*ounds 0eaves Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: +alimantao @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
#tomachache &ar, "ut a handful
of bar,2 !eat
over fire until
it turns to
po+der2
Apply po+der
around the
stomach2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: +alumbabayag @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
!ernia 0eaves Place a handful
of leaves over
lo+ fire2
Apply leaves
around the
testicle2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: +alimbangon @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
&ac, pain 0eaves Place leaves
over lo+ fire2
Apply leaves on
aching bac,
overnight2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: +apawon @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"olds &ar, *ash and clean
bar,
thoroughly2
"he+ bar, and
s+allo+ juice2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:

0ocal name@sA: +apinit @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Post-partum
relapse
6oots Mi- a handful
of plant
material2 &oil
in ( cups of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
< day after giving
birth once or
t+ice daily2
( individual
intervie+s
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: abangaw @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To enhance
placental
e-pulsion
#tem "ut stem into
pieces2 &oil in <
glass of +ater2
Drin, medication
during delivery2
< .BD of 4
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: agbak @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To enhance
child birth
#hoots Bather shoots2
!eat it over fire
to po+der2
"ollect po+der2
Apply po+der
around the
+omb2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: ipolo @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To enhance
erection
6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ roots to
s+allo+ juice2
< .BD of 3
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: igbao @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA Preparation Direction for use #ource of

used and remar,s information
To enhance
erection
0eaves #elect leaves
that touch the
+ater2 "ollect
leaves and heat
over fire until
they turn to
po+der2
Apply po+der on
the male se-
organ2
< .BD of 5
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: uba-tuba @"ebuanoA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
!eadache 0eaves Bather a
handful of
leaves2 !eat
over lo+ fire2
Apply around the
forehead2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: ulo @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
"ough 0eaves Bather a
handful of
leaves2 !eat
over lo+ fire2
Apply around the
forehead2
< .BD of 7
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: ukop @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To enhance
lactation
6oots Bather a
handful of the
roots2 &oil in
(-3 glasses of
+ater2
Drin, the
medication once
daily2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: utong @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA Preparation Direction for use #ource of

used and remar,s information
&urn #tem Place stem on
fire until it turns
to po+der2
Apply po+der
around affected
area2
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: ,li-uli @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
Toothache 6oots &oil roots in (
cups of +ater2
Drin, decoction
as desired2
< individual
intervie+
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: ,layan @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
.racture &ar, Mi- and boil in
( cups of +ater2
Apply decoction
on affected area2
< .BD of 4
#cientific name:
0ocal name@sA: ,way @AtaA
ndication Plant part@sA
used
Preparation Direction for use
and remar,s
#ource of
information
To stop
bleeding during
delivery
#hoots "lean shoots
and place over
lo+ fire2
"he+ and eat the
plant2
< individual
intervie+
RECOMMENDATIONS
t has been observed that only a fe+ members of the tribe still grasp and practice their
old traditions2 This +ill result to a gradual loss of their heritage2 Many of the

indigenous practices +ere never passed to the younger generation2 0i,e+ise, the use
of medicinal plants is no+ slo+ly overta,en by commercial medicines2 !erbal plants
are no+ being seldom used to cure ailments2 Also the degradation of the forest ta,e a
toll in the diminishing of the once effective trees and plants used by the Ata-Manobo2
t is no+ impossible to retrieve the loss that this logging company has done2
"ontinuous health education is a must to educate the children on the benefits of clean
living2
6E.E6E1"E#
?adaya+an ;ournal "entennial ssue
&ert Tesorero

Jn the land called TalaingodK
<::9
Planning and Development 'ffice
Davao del 1orte Province
Man,ilam, Tagum "ity
The Dances of the Emerald sles
0eonor 'rosa Bo=iungco
APPPENDICES

TA&0E '. P0A1T# %#ED A""'6D1B T' D#EA#E#
*'%1D# C "%T#
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Aliliga 0eaves Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
$agonoy 0eaves Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
+alakati 0eaves Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
Payao- 0eaves Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
Abaca #tem Pound to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
$agimit #tem Ma,e a small cut
across the trun, to
e-tract juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
#abi #tem Bet the outer
covering of the stem
3-4 inches2
%se as bandage
*arra &ar, "ut a section of the
trun, to e-tract
juice2
Apply juice on
affected area2
LPayao is also used for tetano infection (pagnapako).
!EADA"!E
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
uba-tuba 0eaves Bather a handful of
leaves2 !eat over
lo+ fire2
Apply around the
forehead2
Alom 7-8 leaves !eat leaves over
lo+ fire2
Apply around the
forehead2
Payao #hoots Bather a handful of
shoots2 Pound to
e-tract juice2
*ith the use of
cloth, +rap the
shoots around the
forehead2
(araba #hoots Bather a handful of
shoots2 Pound to
e-tract juice2
*ith the use of
cloth, +rap the
shoots around the
forehead2
'aringag &ar, Pound bar, to
e-tract juice2
*ith the use of
cloth, +rap the
shoots around the

forehead2
#T'MA"!A"!E
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
&ndalokong &ar, &oil bar, in ample
amount of +ater2
Drin, decoction t+o
times a day until
pain disappears2
Bukawi Gine "ut across the vine
for the juice to drop2
"ollect half to <
tablespoon of the
juice2
Drin, the juice2
+alimantao &ar, "ut a handful of
bar,2 !eat over fire
until it turns to
po+der2
Apply po+der
around the stomach2
'apayawi &ar, Pound a handful of
the bar,2 n < cup
of +ater, put the
bar, for a period of
time2
Drin, mi-ture three
times a day2
Bundoy &ar, "ut a section of the
bar,2 #crape the
inner layer then boil
in < cup of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily2
DA66!EA C 'A%&BA*#A
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
,lingan and
lina ubod
6oots
6oots
Mi- a handful of
both ingredients2
"ut them into
pieces2 &oil in (
cups of +ater until
half of initial
volume is left2
Drin, decoction
t+ice a day until
illness subsides2
Bilya Gine "ut a portion of the
vine to e-tract juice2
Drin, juice once a
day2 "ontinue
medication until
patient returns to
normal2
Pakutob &ar, #crape bar, into
pieces2 Place bar,
in one glass of +ater
Drin, mi-ture once
daily2

until it turns red2
!alamokot 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ roots but
avoid spilling the
juice2 "ontinue
medication until
digestion returns to
normal2
"'0D#
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
%upit &ar, *ash and clean the
bar, thoroughly2
Pound to e-tract
juice2
Drin, the juice once
a day until
symptoms
disappear2
+apawon &ar, *ash and clean the
bar, thoroughly2
"he+ bar, and
s+allo+ juice2
"'%B!
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
#abon or eso 0eaves &oil leaves in ample
amount of +ater2
Drin, decoction
t+ice a day2
Pogol &ar, *ash and clean bar,
thoroughly2 &oil in (
cups of +ater2
.or children: !eat
bar, over lo+ fire2
Drin, once a day2
*rap around the
throat overnight2
Balao-balao Gine "ut vine into small
pieces2 &oil a
handful of cuttings
in < glass of +ater2
Drin, decoction
thrice a day2
Baselong .ruit #lice fruit into half2
"ollect juice inside
the fruit2
Drin, juice once a
day2
ulo &ar, &oil a handful of
bar, in ( cups of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
three times a day2
Burakan Gine "ut a section of the
vine appro-imately
( to 3 feet in length2
Drin, the juice2
uto &ar, "ut a section of the
bar, appro-imately
3 by 3 inches2
Drin, the decoction
once daily2

#crape the inner
layer of the bar,2
&oil the scraped
bar, on ( cups of
+ater2
T''T!A"!E
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
,li-uli 6oots &oil roots in ( cups
of +ater until half of
initial volume is
left2
Drin, decoction
until pain
disappears2
&ndalawe #hoots !eat shoots over
lo+ fire2
Apply the shoots
over the aching
tooth2
G'MT1B *T! &0''D C +,'A# !,#.
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Alagase 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 &oil
roots in 3 glasses of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
once a day until
vomiting stops2
!urian &ar, "ut bar, into pieces2
&oil bar, in < cup of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
once a day2
"ontinue using until
vomiting disappears2
Balunigay 6oots Place roots over fire
until it turns to
po+der2 "ollect
po+der2
Apply po+der
around the nec, of
the patient2
%aho 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 &oil
roots in 3 glasses of
+ater2
Drin, the
medication
continuously until
health returns to
normal2
G'MT1B *T! DA66!EA C +,'A 'A%&BA*#
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
&ndalokong &ar, &oil bar, in ample Drin, decoction

amount of +ater2 t+ice a day until
vomiting subsides2
#atas-gatas Gine "ut across the vine2
"ollect juice in a
clean bottle2
Drin, juice once a
day2
&'0
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
(alabuaya #tem Place stem on fire
until it turns to
po+der2
Apply po+der
around the affected
area2
&%61
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
utong #tem Place stem on fire
until it turns to
po+der2
Apply po+der
around the affected
area2
.EGE6
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
'abao 0eaves &oil leaves in (
cups of +ater until
half of initial
volume is left2
Drin, decoction
t+ice a day2
"ontinue using until
fever disappears2
DE*'6ME6
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Bundoy &ar, Pound to e-tract
juice2
Drin, juice once,
preferably before
brea,fast2
1EA6 &01D1E## C !AG1B A *!TE #P'T 1 T!E EDE
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Bukawi #tem "ut a portion of the Ma,e 3 drops a day

stem until e-tract
appears2 "ollect
e-tract in a bottle2
until sight returns to
normal2
#'6E EDE#
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Alom &ar, "lean bar,2 #crape
inner layer of the
bar,2 "ollect
scraped bar,2
#=uee$e to e-tract
juice2
Drop juice on eyes
once a day2
$ul-ag #tem "ut a piece of the
stem2 #crape layer
of the stem until an
ample amount is
collected2
Put scraped stem in
a piece of cloth2
Drop once a day on
both eyes2
'aanan #tem "ut a portion of the
stem to produce
juice (dagta).
Ma,e one drop daily
until eyes are bac,
to normal2
#1A?E &TE
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
(ansalawaka &ar, or leaves Pound bar, or
leaves to e-tract
juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
%umpogid 6oots Pound roots to
e-tract juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
%ina ubod and
alihon-a-
6oots
#hoots
Pound roots and
shoots to e-tract
juice2 Mi- both
ingredients in a
glass of +ater2
Drin, half of the
mi-ture2 Apply the
other half on the
bitten area2
'alamoging GineCleaves *ash stem or leaves
of the plant2 "he+
stem or leaves2
Avoid s+allo+ing
the juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
Balangati vine 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 "he+
the roots but avoid
s+allo+ing the
Apply on bitten
area2

juice2
(akabulotot 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 "he+
the roots but avoid
s+allo+ing the
juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
'aanan Gine "ut a section of the
vine2 "ollect juice2
Drin, juice right
after being bitten by
a sna,e2
Lalihon-a is an edible vegetable eaten by the natives +hich can only be found in the
forest2
"E1TPEDE &TE
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Payao 0eaves Pound leaves to
e-tract juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
%ina-ubod &ar, Pound bar, to
e-tract juice2
Apply on bitten
area2
"'11E"T .6A"T%6E C *AP&-A*# '6 *ABA%&-A* @"ebuanoA
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
,layan and
ilang-ilang
&ar, Mi- and boil in (
cups of +ater2
Apply decoction on
affected area2
(akabulotot #tem "ut into pieces a
handful of stem2
!eat over fire until
it turns to po+der2
"ollect po+der2
Apply po+der on
affected area2
Balangati #tem Bather dead plant
stem2 "ut into
pieces2 !eat over
fire until it turns to
po+der2
Apply po+der on
affected area2
)A/,(A
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
(ala-buaya 0eaves !eat leaves over *rap leaves on

lo+ fire2 affected area2
'GE6D%E &A&D C 'GE6#TAD1B '. .ET%#
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Bukal 0eaves !eat leaves over fire
until it turns to
po+der2 "ollect
po+der2
Apply po+der on
the +omb of the
pregnant +oman2

T' E1!A1"E M0? P6'D%"T'1
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Barugo Gine "ut a section of the
vine2 "ollect juice
and place in clean
bottle2 Put bottle
over lo+ fire2
Drin, juice as
desired2
+aha sa abaca Plantlets Pull out +hole
shoots2 #tab the
trun, to collect
juice2
Drin, juice t+ice a
+ee,2
Papaya .ruits "oo, papaya fruits2 "an be eaten after
deliveryL
#atas-gatasL &ar, "ut a piece of the
bar,2 #crape the
inner layer of the
bar,2 &oil for a
period of time2
Drin, the
medication as
desired2
Pole &ar, "ut a section of the
bar,2 Pound bar,
and boil in < glass
of +ater2
Drin, the
medication to
increase mil,
production2
ukop 6oots Bather a handful of
the roots2 &oil in (-
3 glasses of +ater2
Drin, the
medication once
daily2
LThe papaya sap and gatas-gatas e-tract are mil,y, +hitish and loo, similar to mil,2
%0"E6
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Bundoy &ar, "lean bar, Place heated bar, on

thoroughly2 #crape
bar, into small
pieces2 "ollect and
+rap the bar, in
banana leaves2 !eat
over lo+ fire2
affected area2
Burakan Gine "ut a section of the
vine appro-imately
( to 3 feet in length2
Drin, the juice2
D.."%0TD 1 EM"6ET'1 C *A$&$&)APA* !,(,(&
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
+alab #tem Place stem over fire
until it turns to
po+der2 Place
po+der in < cup of
+ater2
Drin, mi-ture once
until digestion
returns to normal2
#MA00 C 1' GAB1A0 'PE11B
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
iyok Any material made
of +ood used as a
tool to determine
+hether the s+eet
potato is coo,ed or
not2
!eat the material
over fire until it
turns to po+der2
"ollect po+der2
Apply po+der on
the vagina2
1"6EA#E 0&D' C E1!A1"E E6E"T'1
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
igbao
ipolo
0eaves
6oots
#elect leaves of
tigbao that touch the
+ater since it thrives
near bodies of
+ater2 "ollect
leaves and heat over
fire until it turns to
po+der2
*ash thoroughly the
roots of tipolo.
Apply po+der on
the male se- organ2
"he+ roots and
s+allo+ the juice2
$uwag 1e+ly gro+n leaves *ash shoots then
cut them into pieces2
"he+ the roots and
s+allo+ the juice2


"'1T6A"EPTGE#
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Bungolan 6oots *ash and clean the
roots thoroughly2
"he+ roots once
daily2 "ontinue use
as desired2
Pangibi-on #tem *ash and clean the
stem thoroughly2
"he+ roots once
daily2 "ontinue use
as desired2
&A"?PA1
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
+alimbangon 0eaves Place leaves over
lo+ fire2
Apply on aching
bac, preferably
overnight2
&0'ATED #T'MA"! C B,.!
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
'urid-kurid 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 Pound
roots then boil in
ample amount of
+ater2
Drin, the
medication t+ice
daily2
MA0A6A
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
(alagatas0deta- &ar, "lean roots
thoroughly2 &oil
bar, in ( cups of
+ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily until the
patient is +ell2
,li-uli and
1ogon
6oots
#hoots
Mi- and boil both
ingredients in (-3
cups of +ater2
Drin, t+ice daily2
%ina-ubod and
manuba
0eaves
0eaves
&oil a handful
leaves of both plants
in ample amount of
+ater2
As the decoction
simmers, place self-
in front of the steam2
f possible trap
steam +ith the use
of cloth2 The
remaining decoction

can be used +hen
ta,ing a bath2
Anotong 0eaves Place leaves over
fire until smo,e is
produced2
Place self in front of
the smo,e2 f
possible trap smo,e
+ith the use of
cloth2
Burakan Dead leaves Place leaves over
fire until smo,e is
produced2
Place self in front of
the smo,e2 f
possible trap smo,e
+ith the use of
cloth2
"so #tem Bather a handful of
stem2 "ut stem in
half2 Place over lo+
fire2
#=uee$e the stem to
e-tract juice2 Drin,
juice three times a
day2
%agitlit 0eaves Place leaves over
fire until smo,e is
produced2
Place self in front of
the smo,e2 f
possible trap smo,e
+ith the use of
cloth2
'oyas-koyas 0eavesCstem Place leaves over
fire until smo,e is
produced2
Place self in front of
the smo,e2 f
possible trap smo,e
+ith the use of
cloth2
L(alagatas can result to miscarriage if ta,en by pregnant +omen2
A&'6T.A"E1T
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Pinya 0eaves *ash leaves then
boil in ample
amount of +ater
until half of initial
volume is left2
Drin, decoction
once a day2
Burakan Gine &oil a handful of the
stem in 3 cups of
+ater2
!eat vine over fire
until it turn to
po+der2
Drin, < to (
tablespoon of the
medication2
Apply the po+der
around the +omb2
Male papaya 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ roots and
s+allo+ the juice
'alagpangi 0eaves !eat leaves over
lo+ fire2
TieC+rap leaves
around the +omb2

(amakao &ar, *ash roots
thoroughly2 #crape
layer of the bar,
until an ample
amount is collected2
Put bar, in < glass
of +ater for a period
of time2
Ta,e medication
t+ice a day2
%awot #tem and leaves Bather a handful of
either stem or
leaves2 &oil in (
glasses of +ater2
Apply decoction
around the +omb2
T' P6EGE1T P'#T-PA6T%M 6E0AP#E
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Pamaton Gine "ut a section of the
vine to collect the
juice2
Drin, the juice <
day after giving
birth2
$agimit and
banag
6oots
#tem
*ash roots and stem
thoroughly2 &oil in (
cups of +ater2
Drin, decoction < to
( days after giving
birth2
+apinit and
lina-ubod
6oots
6oots
Mi- a handful of
both plants2 &oil in
( cups of +ater2
Drin, decoction <
day after giving
birth once or t+ice
daily2
Pako 6oots "ollect a handful of
the roots2 &oil roots
in one cup of +ater2
Drin, the decoction
3 times a day2
"ontinue use until
+ell2
Bongolan 6oots "lean roots
thoroughly2 #crape
roots into small
pieces2 &oil in (
glasses of +ater2
Drin, the decoction
3 times a day2
Anitap &ar, "ut a section of the
bar,2 #crape the
bar, into small
pieces2 &oil in <
cup of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily2
Abaca 6oots "lean roots
thoroughly2 #crape
roots into small
pieces2 &oil in (
glasses of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once daily2

66EB%0A6 ME1#T6%AT'1
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
#amot sa abaca 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2
"he+ and s+allo+
the juice2 "ontinue
ta,ing the juice until
menstrual flo+ is
bac, to normal2
Anonang &ar, *ash the bar,
thoroughly2 &oil
bar, in ample
amount of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once a day until
menstrual flo+ is
bac, to normal2
DE0ADED P0A"E1TA0 EMP%0#'1
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
abangaw #tem "ut stem into small
pieces2 Pound to
e-tract juice2 &oil
pounded stem in <
cup of +ater2
Drin, the
medication once2
T' #T'P "'1T1%'%# &0EED1B D%61B DE0GE6D
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
#ango &ar, or roots *ash roots
thoroughly2 &oil in
< glass of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once until bleeding
stops2
&ndalokong 6oots *ash roots
thoroughly2 &oil in
< glass of +ater2
Drin, decoction
once until bleeding
stops2
,way (tubo) !abong @plantletsA "lean the plantlets
and place over lo+
fire2
Eat the heated plant2
&#!A+ 0 &P!A+-
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
&ndalokong
pogol and
&ar,
&ar,
Pound all plant
parts2 Mi- in a pail
%se in ta,ing a bath2

anotong #hoots of +ater2
LThe symptoms of tigdas +ere described as having redness and itchiness of the s,in2
DE0ADED DE0GE6D
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
agbak #hoots Bather shoots2 !eat
over fire until they
turn to po+der2
"ollect po+der2
Apply around the
+omb2
%uway .ruits Bather fruits2 !eat
over fire until they
turns to po+der2
Apply around the
+omb2
%,(A'& A*# BA/A# C !E61A

Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
+alumbabayag 0eaves Place a handful of
leaves over lo+ fire2
Apply leaves around
the scrotum2
T' 1"6EA#E &A&D># B6'*T! C .'6 A #T6'1BE6 &'DD
(PA(PA%&#-.* +A BAA)
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Alburya &ar, Pound or slice bar,
into small pieces2
Place the bar, in a
pail of +ater2
%se the mi-ture for
the baby>s first
bath2L
Lt is believed that this +ill give their child good health just li,e the cardaba plants,
+hich commonly gro+ big in stature2 2Para malihi-an ng kahoy3, as they say2
&'DD PA1 C PA(A-.% @"E&%A1' TE6MA
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
Pogid Gine Place vine over fire
until it turns to
po+der2 "ollect
po+der2
Apply po+der on
aching area2
%amag #tem Place stem over fire
until it turns to
po+der2 "ollect
po+der2
Apply po+der on
aching area2

.E6T0TD C PA(PA!A(& *# A*A'
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
$agimit .ruits #lice (-3 fruits2
#=uee$e juice in <
glass of +ater2
Drin, medication as
desired2L
Lt is believed that people +ho drin, the fruit juice of hagimit +ill produce many
children since the hagimit tree bears plenty of fruits2 #inagamit nila ito upang
makaganti lalo na pagbigo sa pag-ibig ang isang babae.
'T!E6 1AT%6A0 P6'D%"T#
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
$ambubukag 0
tala-tala
*hole li$ard #un dry the li$ard
body2 Place it over
fire until it turns to
po+der2
Po+der can be
mi-ed in mil, or
other food2L
L"an only be ta,en +hen there is no moon (patay ang buwan).
Loal $a&e Pla$" 'a!"() *)e+ P!e'a!a"#o$ D#!e"#o$ fo! *)e
'omo %od C +orm "ollect one komo.
Place it over fire
until it turns to
po+der2 "ollect
po+der2
This is used as an
abortifacient2 Men
should be the ones
to apply po+der
around the +omb of
the +oman,
according to their
belief2
INDEX TO LOCAL PLANT NAMES
Abaca @Ata, "ebuanoA
Alagasi @AtaA
Alburya @Ata, "ebuanoA

Aliliga @AtaA
Alom @AtaA
Anitap @AtaA
Anonang @AtaA
Balangati @AtaA
Balao-balao @AtaA
Balunigay @AtaA
Banag @AtaA
Barugo @AtaA
Baselong @AtaA
Bilya @AtaA
Bongolan @AtaA
Bukal @AtaA
Bukawi @AtaA
Bunal @AtaA
Bundoy @AtaA
Bungolan @AtaA
Burakan @AtaA
1ogon @Ata, "ebuanoA
!alamokot @AtaA
!urian @Ata, "ebuanoA
"so @AtaA, also gabon
#ango @AtaA
#atas-gatas @AtaA
$agimit @AtaA
$agonoy @AtaA
$ul-ag @AtaA
$uwag @AtaA
&lang-ilang @"ebuanoA
%angilan @AtaA
&ndalawe @AtaA
&ndalokong @AtaA
'aanan @AtaA
'abao @AtaA
'alagpangi @AtaA
'alamoging @AtaA
'apayawi @AtaA
'aringag @AtaA
'oyas-koyas @AtaA
'urid-kurid @AtaA
%agitlit @AtaA
%aho @AtaA
%amag @AtaA
%awot @AtaA
%ina-ubod @AtaA
%umpogid @AtaA
%upit @AtaA
%uway @AtaA

(akabulotot @AtaA
(akahiya @"ebuanoA
(alabuaya @AtaA
(alagatas @AtaA
(amakao @AtaA
(ansalawaka @AtaA
(anuba @AtaA
(araba @AtaA
*arra @Ata, "ebuanoA
Pako @AtaA
Pakutob @AtaA
Pamaton @AtaA
Pangibi-on @AtaA
Papaya @AtaA
Payao @AtaA
Pinya @Ata, "ebuanoA
Pogid @AtaA
Pogol @AtaA
Pole @AtaA
+alab @AtaA
+alakati @AtaA
+alimantao @AtaA
+alimbangon @AtaA
+alumbabayag @AtaA
+apawon @AtaA
+apinit @AtaA
+ulo-sulo @AtaA
abangaw @AtaA
agbak @AtaA
igbao @AtaA
ipolo @AtaA
uba-tuba @Ata, "ebuanoA
ukop @AtaA
ulo @AtaA
utong @AtaA
,layan @AtaA
,lingan @AtaA
,li-uli @AtaA
,way @AtaA
KEY INFORMANTS
Na&e Se, ( age A++!e))

?aminya Mabanag Male, 5) Misulong, Talaingod
Datu 0insaod #ibogan Male, 83 Misulong, Talaingod
Mabuti,ao Tipay Male, 74 Misulong, Talaingod
Datu 0ata+an &olinga Male, 74 Misulong, Talaingod
0aidan Tipay Male, 34 Misulong, Talaingod
Datu Duyan Tipay Male, 54 Melyong, Talaingod
#alipay Mariano .emale, 75 Melyong, Talaingod
0uogpong Dujali Male, 7) Melyong, Talaingod
Toman Tumambad Male, 7( Melyong, Talaingod
Manla+ogan &utanlog Male, 59 Melyong, Talaingod
Adoling &utanlog .emale, 58 Melyong, Talaingod
Paulino &algisi Male, 7( "abadiangan, Talaingod
Dup-ongan ?rayon Male, 7) "abadiangan, Talaingod
Antonio Mangoan Male, 55 "abadiangan, Talaingod
?ayugo dao Male, 74 ?aila+an, Talaingod
Datu Tenio Anti-an Male, 55 ?aila+an, Talaingod
Togon dao .emale, 74 ?aila+an, Talaingod
Datu Tisoy Male, 7) ?aila+an, Talaingod
Editha Enggatan .emale, 53 ?aila+an, Talaingod
LIST OF CONTACTS
!on ;ose &alimba 0ibayao

Municipal Mayor of Talaingod
Davao Province
!on Ale-ander #ibogan
Municipal "ouncilor of Talaingod
#itio Misulong, Talaingod
Davao Province
Ms #hirley &urato
Mid+ife of the A0#'1 "ompany
&arangay #to 1ino
Talaingod, Davao Province
Ms .e Patindol
Municipal Mid+ife
&arangay #to 1ino
Talaingod, Davao Province
Datu 0ata+an &olinga
"hieftain, 0o+er Misulong
Talaingod, Davao Province
Datu 0inasod #ibogan
"hieftain, Misulong
Talaingod, Davao Province
Datu Duyan Tipay
"hieftain, Melyong
Talaingod, Davao Province

ENGLISH AND FILIPINO TRANSLATIONS OF ATA%MANOBO TERMS

English .ilipino nata
!ead ,lo ,lo
!air Buhok Bulbul
.ace (ukha ,la-ula
Eyes (ata (ata
Ears "ars alenga
1ose &long &long
Mouth Bibig Bibig
Teeth *gipin *gipon
&reath $ininga #uko-inawa
!ands 'amay Bulad
.eet Paa Paa
&reast +uso +uso
&lood !ugo %ansasa
#aliva %away *gingi
%rine &hi &hi
#tool ae ae
1ail 'uko +ulo
#,in Balat %aplap
.ather Ama Ama
Mother &na Aya
Brandfather %olo Apo din
Brandfather %ola Anggam
#on Anak %ukas
Daughter Anak Bae
!usband Asawa Asawa
*ife Asawa &glokas
6oot ,gat !alid
0eaf !ahon !ahon
.lo+er Bulaklak 'abukaran
#eed Buto Balas
%nhus,ed rice Palay $umay
!us,ed rice Bigas Balas
"oo,ed rice 'anin 'uonon
Bruel %ugaw Binulalo
6ice +ater Am Bulo
.ruit Bunga Balas
#,y %angit %angit
"loud Alpaap #apon
Earth %upa ano
*ind $angin 'alamg
0ighting 'idlat 'ilat
Thunder 'ulog %ukong

*ater ubig 4ahig
6ain ,lan ,ran
#pring Bukal +ubsob
&roo, Batis
6iver &log 4ahig
Mountain Bundok Bubungan
.arm Bukid ,ma
.orest #ubat Pwalas
6oc, Bato Bato
Typhoon Bagyo %anog
&lac, &tim (aitum
*hite Puti (aangkag
6ed Pula (alalab
&lue Asul (ailum
Breen Berde (ailum
Dello+ !ilaw (akalwag
Giolet %ila (ailum
'range !alandan (alalab
"hic,en (anok (anok
Pig Baboy Baboy
"arabao 'alabao 'alabaw
Dog Aso Aso
"at Pusa (iyaw
6at !aga Ambaw
Mos=uito %amok $igtok
.ly %angaw %angaw
#na,e Ahas ,lad
&anana +aging +akeng
Papaya Papaya 'apayas
"oconut *iyog *iyog
1arra *arra *ala
*eed !amo %amunan
Plant $alaman
#+eet potato 'amote 'asilu
Dam #abi Bigkatin
'nion +ibuyas %ogko
#=uash 'alabasa 'alabasi
#alt Asin Asin
#ugar Asukal Asukal
"oo,ing oil (antika (antika
Meat 'arne #impal
.ish &sda &sda
!oney Pulot anod

"assava 'amoteng kahoy Binggala
#un Araw Adlaw
Moon Buwan Bitu-on
#tars Bituin Bulan
#hooting star Bulalakaw +aldawan
"lean (alinis (adayaw
Dirty (adumi (aligsim
Bood (abuti (arayon
&ad (asama (aru-ot
"old (alamig (aagsil
!ot (ainit (ainit
&ig (alaki !akil
#mall (aliit !aisok
East +ilangan &gsilo
*est 'anluran %inub
1orth $ilaga Amihanon
#outh imog Balabugan
%pstream &laya !iraya
Do+nstream &bayo !ibabo
Eat 'umain 'aon kid
Drin, ,minom &nom
Plant (agtanim Pamula
!arvest (ag-ani #a-ani
*ash (aghugas Pang-hugas
.etch +ater ,migib Panakuno kapa
6est (agpahinga $imalay
&rush teeth (agsipilyo Pangolimog
*ipe (agpunas rapo
&oil Pakuluan 'alo-kalo
"lean (aglinis Panlapok
Tired Pagod #imalay kipad
#oul 'aluluwa #imokod
&ody 'atawan %awa
Bod !iyos (anama0mambabaya
1ature 'alikasan
Bod !iwata !iwata
Day Araw +abukan aldaw
*ee, %inggo Pampito na aldaw
Dear aon +abukan kamot
Morning ,maga 'apawa
Afternoon $apon (ahapon

1ight #abi #abi-i
'ne &sa +abuku
T+o !alwa !arwa
Three atlo atlo
.our Apat $upat
.ive %ima %alima
#i- Anim .n-om
#even Pito Papito
Eight 4alo 4awalo
1ine +iyam +asiyam
Ten +ampu +apulo
'ne hundred +andaan (agatos
'ne thousand +anllibo +angalibo
.ever %aganat *aralo
"ough ,bo +ukop
Diarrhea Pagtatae Pahilisan
"olds +ipon *guwag
Dysentery !isenteria
Malaria (alaria 'ulkolon
*ound +ugat Pali
Abdominal pain +akit ng tiyan (asakit gutok
!eadache +akit ng ulo (asakit ulo
6heumatism )ayuma %ubakan
!emorrhage Pagdudugo %angasa
Tinea An-an Pakis
Measles igdas $abas
!ouse Bahay Balay
*indo+ Bintana uwang
.loor +ahig +u-og
6oof Bubong 'alan
Toilet 'ubeta &ndosan
"lothes !amit Pakabo
#lippers sinelas +inelas
.riend 'aibigan +ulod sikan
.oe 'aaway Pagugotoy
1eighbor 'apit-bahay !angub nga balay
6elative 'amag-anak 'aruman ko
0eader Pinuno Buyag nay
Elder (atanda Buyag
6ich (ayaman !atu
Poor (ahirap 'aayo-ayo
0ove (ahal #ainawa


.igure (2 #itio 0o+er Misulong
.igure 32 #itio "abadiangan

.igure 42 An Ata-Manobo +oman +ith her sungol,
a chain of beads tied in the ears
.igure 52 A tattooed Ata-Manobo

.igure 72 An Ata-Manobo family in #itio ?aila+an
.igure 82 Three generations of Ata-Manobos

.igure 92 An Ata-Manobo +oman +eaving abaca leaf sheaths
to serve as +all
.igure :2 An Ata-Manobo +oman on the +ay to her farm

.igure <)2 Three Ata-Manobo men processing abaca fiber
.igure <<2 An Ata-Manobo hunter +ith his bo+ and arro+

.igure <(2 Plant specimen gathering
.igure <32 The burakan vine, used by the Ata-Manobos
for malaria and other ailments

.igure <42 Ata-Manobo children

0ocation map of Talaingod