An ethnobotanical study of the Alangan Mangyans of Northeastern Mindoro

This thesis is an ethnobotanical study of the Alangan Mangyans, to determine the role plants play in the culture of the Alangans and to be able to establish a reference collection of the useful plants of the Alangans for scientific and anthropological studies. In order to obtain relevant data, the researcher stayed in five Alangan villages for a total of three months (July to September, 1985) carrying out ethnobotanical investigations such as observation, participation, interviews and collection of botanical specimens. Most of the Alangans are unable to read and write, hence, it was not possible to disseminate the prepared set of questionnaires. Nevertheless, the questionnaire was found useful in facilitating the interview process. Cited useful plants, except the very common ones, were collected, processed, nomenclaturally determined and classified. From the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) A total of 223 plant species belonging to 74 families are considered culturally significant by the Alangan Mangyans. Most of these have multiple uses. 2) An intimate relationship exists between plants and the culture of the Alangans as evident from the wide range of plant-related Alangan beliefs and practices as well as in the plant-inspired songs. 3) The Alangan Mangyans of Northeastern Mindoro constitute an upland population who are remarkably self-sufficient and largely dependent upon their immediate natural surrounding