About Us | Ethnomedicinal Plants of MMPL

© Compendium of Medicinal Plants of Mount Matutum Protected Landscape, Mindanao, Philippines

The Ethnomedicinal Plant Species Information System for Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) is a web-based application designed to manage, store, and display ethnomedicinal plant data. It showcases detailed information about plants found within the MMPL, including their scientific and local names, geographic locations, medicinal uses, preparation methods, and images.

This system allows users to view, store, and update detailed ethnomedicinal plant information. It has a searchable database with information on plant species, including names, classifications, uses, and images. An embedded, interactive map with clickable overlays that show the MMPL’s geographical layout and specific plant species in different barangays. There is an ability for registered users to contribute to and edit species data, ensuring that the database remains up-to-date. Lastly, there is a user role management for administrators, moderators, contributors, and visitors.

The target users of this web application includes researchers, faculty members, and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) at Mindanao State University, as well as other MMPL researchers.

The web application was developed by Thea C. Peñaflorida, Ruby Jane U. Facurib, and Ivan Jesreal Kent P. Leybag. The developers created this platform to address the pressing need to preserve and document the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape, particularly the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the B'laan Tribe. The goal was to bridge the knowledge gap, enhance ongoing research, and support conservation efforts by providing a centralized, accessible platform for ethnomedicinal plant data.

The project is vital for safeguarding the biodiversity and traditional knowledge of the MMPL, which is home to endangered plant species and has cultural significance for indigenous communities. The ethnomedicinal knowledge of the B'laan Tribe is at risk due to modernization, and this system helps preserve that valuable information. By consolidating data and providing an accessible, user-friendly platform, this application ensures that MMPL’s biodiversity and cultural heritage can be effectively studied, documented, and conserved for future generations.