Medicinal Plants: Their Roles to the Folk Healers (Tambalan) of Tomas Oppus

Authors

Keywords:

Folk healers, healing abilities, medicinal plants, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte

Abstract

A folk healer is an indigenous medical practitioner who also uses medicinal plants to treat patients with common or ordinary ailments, as well as illnesses. This study aims to identify the role of medicinal plants in the folk healers of Tomas Oppus. The descriptive exploratory approach was conducted by face-to-face semi-structured interview with five identified folk healers through purposive sampling method. Results revealed that majority of the folk healers obtained their healing abilities, from their ancestors, but some claimed that it was through self-thought. Furthermore, the role of the medicinal plants to the folk healers of Tomas Oppus is for curing illnesses as well as for culture preservation because through traditional healing it helps pass the medical beliefs of our ancestors from generation to generation and still continue to use despite the rampancy of modern medicines that undergo scientific measures or clinical trials. Moreover, even though folk healers do not have the expertise of diagnosing illnesses and treating them with medicinal plants like doctors or any other medical practitioner, folk healers are still able to give good diagnoses and give the right medication because they already have knowledge about sickness and cure that they learned from their parents or ancestors. It is concluded that folk healers can cure various kinds of illnesses using different medical plants.

Author Biographies

  • Aya T. Gantala, Southern Leyte State University

    is a dedicated educator and a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies at Southern Leyte State University- Tomas Oppus campus. As a licensed professional teacher, she is dedicated to shaping the minds of future generations. With a passion for exploration and discovery, Ms. Gantala enjoys engaging in fieldwork and has a keen interest in conducting research that will pave way for her community’s growth and prosperity. She believes that combining practical experiences with academic inquiry leads to a deeper understanding of the world and enriches the educational process. Committed to fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning, Ms. Gantala, strives to inspire curiosity and intellectual growth.

  • Christine B. Layola, Southern Leyte State University

    is graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies. She earned her bachelor's degree in Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus Campus and graduated as a Cum laude. As a social studies major and a future educator, she demonstrates a strong commitment in helping towards the development of their community and aspires to become an educator who instills knowledge, values, and critical thinking in the younger generation. Ms. Christine devotes her time and energy in tutoring young children in her community, recognizing the importance of providing support and guidance to those in need .

  • Beth A. Infortuna, Southern Leyte State University

    is currently taking her undergraduate studies at Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus, pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education with a specialization in Social Studies. She completed her senior high school education, attaining the distinction of high honors, at Bato School of Fisheries. As a fourth-year college student, she is undertaking her teaching internship at San Isidro National High School and Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus Laboratory High School.

  • Rodolfo V. Muldez Jr, Southern Leyte State University

    is a newly licensed professional teacher with a fervent passion for both teaching and community development. He earned his bachelor's degree in Secondary Education Major in Social Studies from SLSU- Tomas Oppus Campus. Driven by a natural curiosity and a keen eye for observation, Rodolfo finds joy in studying the intricacies of the world around him. His genuine interest in understanding societal issues and their implications on communities fuels his desire to make a positive impact on society. Beyond the classroom, Rodolfo dreams of conducting research that will contribute to the betterment of his community. He envisions using his expertise to address pressing social issues and implement initiatives that will enhance the lives of its residents.

  • Jesha D. Pusa, Southern Leyte State University

    completed her elementary education at Taylan Elementary School in 2014 and graduated with honors in secondary school at Matalom National High School. She is currently studying in her fourth year of Bachelor of Secondary Education, specializing in Social Studies at Southern Leyte State University – Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO). Her involvement in various extracurricular activities speaks volumes about her passion for personal growth and community development. Notably, Jesha served as the treasurer of the Social Science Society at SLSU-TO during the academic year 2022-2023, contributing significantly to the organization's success and recognition with the Campus Integrity Crusaders Accreditation.

  • Erwin Tulang Tampus, Southern Leyte State University

    is a 3rd year BSED- Social Studies major at Southern Leyte State University Tomas Oppus Campus. He is a former Vice President of the Social Science Society during Academic Year 2023-2024. He won awards as the Best Speaker during the In- Campus Debate held at Southern Leyte State University Tomas Oppus Mini Theater for the 2nd Argumentation and Debate forum. As a student and aspiring teacher , he wants to enhance his pedagogical skills through research and innovation.

  • Vicente S. Betarmos, Jr., Southern Leyte State University

    has served as Associate Professor V at Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus Campus in the government service since 1997. He earned his MAEd in Social Science at Tomas Oppus Normal College and a Ph.D. in Technology Management at Cebu Technological University Main Campus. With his long years of work experience, he has served various administrative designations like IGP Manager, BSEd Department Head, Sports Director, Board of Directors in the town’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and currently the Program Head for MAED/BSED Social Science. His research interests include economics, particularly financial literacy, cooperative management, governance, and social sciences. He teaches contemporary world, comparative economics, microeconomics, Asian studies, and comparative politics in college and graduate school.

  • Max Teody T. Quimilat, Visayas State University

    is a distinguished Associate Professor at Visayas State University, where he specializes in indigenous knowledge and local fishing communities. Holding a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Dr. Quimilat has carved a niche in understanding the nuanced interplay between culture and environment. His academic journey is further enriched by a Master of Arts in Education with a major in Social Sciences from Southern Leyte State University and an undergraduate degree in AB Classical Major in Philosophy from Sacred Heart Seminary, underscoring his deep-rooted foundation in social sciences and humanities. Renowned for his groundbreaking research and teaching, Dr. Quimilat's work sheds light on the intricate dynamics of indigenous practices and their symbiotic relationship with natural resources, particularly in fishing communities. At Visayas State University, his contributions go beyond academia, fostering a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and ecological sustainability. Through his rigorous scholarship and passionate advocacy, Dr. Quimilat continues to influence both the academic realm and community life, championing the integration of indigenous knowledge into broader societal and environmental discourses

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Published

2024-04-01

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): ARADMAN: A Multidisciplinary Research Journal (April Issue)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Medicinal Plants: Their Roles to the Folk Healers (Tambalan) of Tomas Oppus. (2024). ARADMAN: Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 3(1), 19-34. https://journal.evsu.edu.ph/index.php/amrj/article/view/75

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