Ethnomycology of the Mamanwa Tribe in Las Navas, Northern Samar, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines possesses a rich diversity of macrofungal species, many of which have been utilised for generations by indigenous communities. The Mamanwa Tribe, one of the country’s oldest ethnolinguistic groups, relies on mushrooms for both sustenance and traditional medicine. The best-known examples of macrofungi are the mushrooms. They have a cap and a stalk and are frequently seen in fields and forests. Despite their extensive knowledge, their ethnomycological practices have not been systematically recorded. This study documented the macrofungi species traditionally utilised by the Mamanwa Indigenous People in Las Navas, Northern Samar, Philippines. Fifteen (15) respondents participated in the survey. A total of seven (7) macrofungi species were collected and morphologically identified. Distinguishing the edible from inedible macrofungi species was done through informal interviews with the chieftain/leader, elders, and farmers in the sampling area. Two additional species were reported through interviews but not encountered due to their seasonal occurrence. These findings underscore the depth of Mamanwa ethnomycological knowledge and its cultural relevance. There were five (5) species that were identified as food sources, commonly prepared using traditional methods such as ‘nilangtod' (cooked in coconut milk), ginisa (sauteed), and sinabawan (used in soups). Two (2) species, Ligbos and Uhong, were used for medicinal purposes: G. rufa for eye treatment and D. spathularia for body pain and infections. These practices not widely documented in existing literature, highlight the importance of preserving indigenous medicinal knowledge and cultural heritage. Mycochemical analysis is recommended to acquire information regarding the bioactive compounds present in these medicinal mushrooms utilised by the Mamanwa, and further studies are recommended.