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A Checklist and Conservation Status of The Medicinal Plants of Mount Arayat National Park, Pampanga, Philippines

This document presents a study that created a checklist of 60 medicinal plant species from 27 families found in Mount Arayat National Park in the Philippines. Most plants were used to treat infectious diseases and diseases of the digestive system. Six species were found to be vulnerable according to IUCN criteria, while one was vulnerable and the rest not evaluated under Philippines DENR criteria. The checklist provides data on the uses and need for conservation of medicinal plants in the protected area.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
177 views8 pages

A Checklist and Conservation Status of The Medicinal Plants of Mount Arayat National Park, Pampanga, Philippines

This document presents a study that created a checklist of 60 medicinal plant species from 27 families found in Mount Arayat National Park in the Philippines. Most plants were used to treat infectious diseases and diseases of the digestive system. Six species were found to be vulnerable according to IUCN criteria, while one was vulnerable and the rest not evaluated under Philippines DENR criteria. The checklist provides data on the uses and need for conservation of medicinal plants in the protected area.
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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B I O D I V E R S IT A S ISSN: 1412-033X

Volume 20, Number 4, April 2019 E-ISSN: 2085-4722


Pages: 1034-1041 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d200414

A checklist and conservation status of the medicinal plants of Mount


Arayat National Park, Pampanga, Philippines

MARLON DL. SUBA1,4,♥, AXEL H. ARRIOLA1,2, GRECEBIO JONATHAN D. ALEJANDRO1,3


1
The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila 1015, Philippines. ♥email: [email protected].
2
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the East, 2219 C.M. Recto Ave, Manila, Philippines
3
College of Science and Research Centre for the Natural & Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila 1015, Philippines
4
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, Pampanga 2009, Philippines

Manuscript received: 4 March 2019. Revision accepted: 18 March 2019.

Abstract. Suba MDL, Arriola AH, Alejandro GJD. 2019. A checklist and conservation status of the medicinal plants of Mount Arayat
National Park, Pampanga, Philippines. Biodiversitas 20: 1034-1041. A checklist of medicinal plants in a natural area is fundamental
not only because it provides an updated reference but also it gives the current status of biodiversity. In this study, available medicinal
plants in Mt. Arayat National Park (MANP) were documented. Available references on Philippine medicinal plants were used to assess
the medicinal values of the MANP flora. To determine the conservation status of the MANP medicinal plants, the assessment of the
International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and a list from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
in the Philippines were consulted. A total of 60 medicinal species in 27 families were recorded in MANP. Leguminosae had the highest
number of medicinal plants and the genus Ficus had the most species. Based on the literature, most of the plants were used to treat
infectious and parasitic diseases and diseases of the digestive system. In terms of the conservation status, six species were vulnerable
and five of least concern according to the IUCN listing while one species was listed as vulnerable and the rest of the medicinal plants
were marked as not evaluated in the DENR list. This checklist provides data of various medicinal plants to emphasize their uses and
need of conservation.

Keywords: Diversity, endemicity, herbal medicine, protected area, stratovolcano

INTRODUCTION Park, MANP (DENR/UNEP 1997). This mountain is an


isolated and dormant stratovolcano located in the
Medicinal plants have been identified and used northeastern portion of the province of Pampanga, Luzon
throughout human history. According to the World Health which covers an aggregate area of 3,715.28 hectares and
Organization (WHO, 2011), many people across the world with the highest elevation of about 1030 meters (Dagamac
have used herbal medicine to treat various health et al. 2014). Further, MANP is a protected area by the
challenges in different national healthcare settings. Around virtue of Proclamation 203 on September 16, 1933.
80% of the population use conventional medicine in Africa, However, only a few studies about MANP’s biodiversity
Asia and Latin America and many governments in these have been published.
regions have integrated traditional medicine practices to The richness and the various native floras in mountain
assist their primary health care services (Payyappallimana have been used as sources of building materials, food,
2010). Furthermore, it is estimated that approximately 25% ornamentals, and medicine. Such practices threaten
of modern medicines are derived from herbal products and biodiversity, which is one of the most serious
the annual global export value of pharmaceutical plants in environmental problems the world is facing today.
2011 accounted for over US$2.2 billion (WHO 2011). According to the U.S. Agency for International
Long before the introduction of modern medicines and Development (USAID 2014), the estimated biodiversity
western curative methods, herbal medicines were widely loss is about 1000 species each year due to uncontrollable
used in the Philippines. There are about 1500 medicinal legal and illegal human activities. In Southeast Asia, the
plants from more than 13,500 plant species known in the highest relative rate of deforestation with possibility of
country (Tan and Sia 2014). This makes the Philippines to losing its original area by 2100 is about 78% and up to 42%
be classified by WHO along with Hong Kong, Malaysia, of its biodiversity has been projected (Sodhi 2010). Thus,
Mongolia, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia, as a country the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities (PBCP)
where traditional medicine has remained a vital component has identified MANP as one of the 43 priority areas in the
of health care system despite of the availability of well- Philippines for plant conservation (DENR/UNEP 1997).
established alternatives (Mukherjee 2002; Dela Cruz and Since plants have always been used as primary source for
Ramos 2006). producing drugs in traditional and alternative systems of
In 1997, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action medicine in various forms, it is, therefore, essential to
Plan (NBSAP) identified several areas in the Philippines as assess and document important information of the floral
centers of biodiversity including the Mt. Arayat National resources which can be used to strengthen policies for
SUBA et al. – A checklist of medicinal plants of Mt. Arayat, Philippines 1035

conservation and protection of the remaining biodiversity is where the main summit occurs with highest elevation of
(Kala et al. 2006). Hence, this study aims to provide a about 1030 meters via Barangay Ayala, Magalang route,
checklist and the current conservation status of medicinal while the South Peak (15°17' 35" N/120° 76' 42" E) is
plants of MANP, Pampanga, Philippines. about 984 meters via Barangay San Juan Banyo, Arayat
route and the Pinnacle Peak (15° 10' 60" N/120° 43' 59" E)
is about 786 masl, situated between the north and the south
MATERIAL AND METHODS peaks. Since the Pinnacle Peak trails are quite dangerous
due to its ridgeline, only the North and South Peaks were
Research ethics allowed to be studied. The MANP has an annual
Research ethics was observed by presenting a letter of temperature range of 22-31C which falls under the
request and research proposal to the regional office of the Climatic Type I with an annual rainfall range of 284-1844
DENR at San Fernando City, Pampanga, Philippines to mm (Dagamac et al. 2012). It is characterized by two
grant a gratuitous permit. Prior informed consent from the pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet
leader of the community who lives in the area was also from May to October.
obtained. The Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Officer (PENRO) of Pampanga provided trained Plant collections
Forest Guides for assistance. Since the nature of the Since MANP exhibits two pronounced seasons, the
research is participatory, the forest guides were floristic surveys were done in the North and South Peaks
compensated and involved during the entire duration of (Figure 1) during wet season, September 2016 and dry
fieldwork. season, April 2017. According to Rathcke and Lacey
(2003), there are correlations between seasonal changes in
Location of study sites the physical environment and the simultaneous germination
MANP (15°12' 00" N/120°43' 59" E) is a solitary of many species within plant communities. Collected plants
mountain in the central plain of Luzon with elevation were pressed, poisoned and mounted as herbarium
ranges from 100-1030 masl. The topography of the park is vouchers. Herbarium specimens were labeled and kept at
rolling to moderately steep in the lower parts and generally the University of Santo Tomas Herbarium (USTH),
steep and rugged in the upper portion. A circular volcanic Philippines. All field data gathered were documented in the
crater about 1.2 km in diameter covers the western part and field notebook and photographs of the different
a portion of the northern rim has collapsed due to soil morphological features were used as an aid in the
erosion (Dagamac et al. 2014). The mountain consists of succeeding process of identification.
three peaks; the North peak (15° 12' 00" N/120° 44' 00" E)

Figure 1. Map of the study sites in Mt. Arayat National Park. Areas surveyed are marked green for north and south peaks
1036 B I O D I V E R S I T A S 20 (4): 1034-1041, April 2019

Identification of plants recorded; Ficus nota (Blanco.) Merr., Ficus ulmifolia Lam.,
Identification of the collected specimens was conducted and Ficus septica Burm.f., followed by Artocarpus J.R.
at USTH using literature sources such as de Padua et al. Forst. & G.Forst. and Macaranga Thouars with two species
(1999), Madulid (2001), van Valkenburg and each (Table 2).
Bunyapraphatsara (2002), Keller (2004), Rummel (2005), Since taxonomic names change frequently, some older
and Pancho and Gruezo (2006) and some open access names or synonyms of these plants were encountered.
websites such as; Pelser et al. (2011-onwards), or type These synonyms are still valid as provided by the
specimens from JSTOR (2000-onwards) and the Global International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and
Biodiversity Information Facility (1999-onwards). To plants (ICN). The plants listed in Quisumbing (1951);
validate the scientific names; The Plant List (2010- Epipremnum merrillii Engl. & K.Krause, Callicarpa cana
onwards) and Tropicos (2018) online sources were used. L., and Kolowratia elegans Presl. are synonyms of
While the authentication of unfamiliar plant taxon was Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl., Callicarpa candicans
identified by the curator at USTH. (Burm.f.) Hochr. and Alpinia elegans (C.Presl) K.Schum.
respectively. While in the list of de Tavera and
Determination of medicinal values, conservation status, Hermenegildo (1892), the Pongamia glabra Vent. is found
and endemicity as a synonym of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre.
To determine the medicinal values of the collected
specimens, published books by de Tavera and Medicinal values
Hermenegildo (1892), Quisumbing (1951), and Tan (1980) Based on the review and consolidation of medicinal
were reviewed. These published books include extensive data, the Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br., Tectona
entries for medicinal plants of the Philippines and grandis L.f., Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw., Gliricidia
accessibility in institution libraries and online sources sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex. Steud, Leucaena leucocephala
(Carag and Buot 2017). Websites such as Philippine (Lam.) de Wit, Tamarindus indica L., Sida acuta Burm. f.,
Alternative Medicine (2011-onwards) and Philippine Melastoma malabathricum L., and Sandoricum koetjape
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Health (2015- (Burm.f.) Merr. were listed in all the references consulted
2016) were also utilized. These websites contain updated (de Tavera, and Hermenegildo 1892; Quisumbing 1951;
compilation mostly of ethnobotanical and Tan 1980) and in online sources. Meanwhile, medicinal
ethnopharmacological researches in the Philippines that are data for Wrightia pubescens R.Br., Cosmos sulphureus
published from reputable journals. Cav., Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw, Albizia
To determine the conservation status for each species, lebbeck (L.) Benth., Swietenia macrophylla King, and Leea
whether Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), guineensis G. Don were only found in the Philippine
Vulnerable (VU), and Least Concern (LC), the Alternative Medicine (2011-onwards). Nevertheless, much
International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red of the knowledge from the various references consulted
List of Threatened Species (2018) and the Department of refer to medicinal uses that are also maintained and
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - developed by all indigenous groups in the Philippines. This
Administrative Order No. (DAO) 2017-01 (2017) aided in knowledge is inherited way back from their great ancestors
categorizing each species. While Pelser et al. (2011- through verbal communication (Olowa et al. 2012).
onwards) were used to identify endemic plants. The majority of the documented plants in MANP had
many medicinal uses to treat certain illnesses and diseases.
For example, Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. locally
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION known as banaba has long been known both locally and
abroad for its diuretic and hypoglycemic properties (Tan
Identification 1980). It is important to mention that some authors like
A total of 60 plant species from 98 collected species (32 Quisumbing (1951) listed this plant for treatment of other
trees, 16 shrubs, 1 vine, 1 epiphyte, and 10 herbs) from 27 diseases as well, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and it
families were recorded and found to have medicinal values has been used as an astringent.
based on available literature (Table 1). This represents
4.35% of 620 plant families of the world (The Plant List, Table 1. Taxonomic inventory of medicinal plants in Mt. Arayat
2010-onwards). Leguminosae (9 species), followed by National Park.
Moraceae (6 species), Euphorbiaceae and Lamiaceae (5
Total number of
species each), and Asteraceae (4 species) were the most Plant groups
Families Genera Species
diverse. Further, Apocynaceae, Araceae, and Malvaceae Trees 14 28 32
were represented by three species each, while Shrubs 12 15 16
Amaranthaceae, Meliaceae, and Rutaceae were represented Herbs 6 10 10
by two species each. The remaining 16 families were Vines 1 1 1
represented by a single species. On the other hand, Ficus Epiphytes 1 1 1
was the most species-rich genus with three species Total 60
SUBA et al. – A checklist of medicinal plants of Mt. Arayat, Philippines 1037

Table 2. List of 60 medicinal plant species identified in Mt. Arayat National Park, Philippines

Endemi Medicinal
Family Species Habit Status Medicinal value
city reference
Amaranthaceae
Achyranthes aspera L. H NE N Urinary diseases 1,2,3,5
Cyathula prostata (L.) Blume H NE N Scabies, dysentery 1, 3
Anacardiaceae
Semecarpus cuneiformis Blanco T NE N Indolent ulcers, chicken pox 1, 2,3
Anonaceae
Anaxagorea luzonensis A.Gray S NE N Stomachache, rheumatism 1,2,3
Apocynaceae
Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. T LC N Fever, chronic diarrhea, dysentery 6
Parameria laevigata (Juss.) Moldenke S NE N Wounds 1, 2
Wrightia pubescens R.Br. T NE N Dysentery, arthritis 1
Araceae
Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G. Don. H NE N Joint pains, fevers 1,2,3
Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. E NE N Snake bites 1,2,3
Pothos cylindricus C. Presl H NE N Stuck fishbone 2
Araliaceae
Schefflera odorata (Blanco) Merr. & Rolfe S NE N Wounds, arthritis, rheumatism 1, 2, 3
Asteraceae
Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & S NE N Wounds, fever 1, 2
H.Rob
Cosmos sulphureus Cav H NE N Malaria 1
Mikania cordata (Burm.f.) B.L. Rob. H NE N Wound, diarrhea, stomach infection 1, 2, 3
Pseudelephantopus spicatus (B.Juss. ex H NE N Eczema 1, 2, 3
Aubl.) Rohr ex C.F.Baker
Burseraceae
Garuga floribunda Decne. T NE N Skin diseases 1, 5
Chloranthaceae
Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai S NE N Kidney diseases 1, 3
Dioscoreaceae
Tacca palmata Blume H NE N Diarrhea, dysentery 1, 2
Euphorbiaceae
Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw T VU N Purgative, dandruff 1
Macaranga grandifolia (Blanco.) Merr. T VU E Mouth ulcers 1, 3
Macaranga tanarius (L.) Müll.Arg. T NE N Hemoptysis, fever, cough 1, 2, 3
Manihot esculenta Crantz S NE N Skin diseases 1, 2, 3
Melanolepis multiglandulosa (Reinw. ex T NE N Skin diseases 1, 2, 3
Blume) Reichb. & Zoll.
Lamiaceae
Callicarpa candicans (Burm.f.) Hochr. S NE N Asthma, gastralgia, fever 1, 2, 3
Gmelina arborea Roxb. T NE N Arthritis, sprain 1, 2
Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. S NE N Rheumatism, spasm, skin wash 1, 2, 3, 4
Premna odorata Blanco T NE N Respiratory diseases, headache 1, 2, 3, 4
Tectona grandis L.f. T NE N Dermatitis, menstrual disorders, 6
hemorrhages
Lauraceae
Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) C.B. Rob. T NE N Sprains, bruises, rheumatism 1, 2, 3
Leguminosae
Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. T NE N Diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids 1
Bauhinia integrifolia Roxb S NE N Bloody sputum, snake bite 2
Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. S NE N Tonic, stimulant, intestinal parasite 6
Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit T NE N Diabetes, menstrual disorders, 6
dewormer
Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. T NE N Hepatalgia, edema, nephritis, 3
diabetes, colic
Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre T LC N Cough, skin diseases, rheumatism 1, 4, 5
Pterocarpus indicus Willd. T VU N Stomachache 1, 2, 5
Tamarindus indica L. T LC N Rheumatism, respiratory diseases 6
Lythraceae
Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. T NE N Diabetes 1, 2, 3, 4
Malvaceae
Kleinhovia hospita L. T NE N Cough, asthma, stimulant 1,2, 5
Sida acuta Burm. f. S NE N Fever, stomach ache, rheumatism 6
Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. S NE N Boil, diarrhea, ulcers 1, 2
1038 B I O D I V E R S I T A S 20 (4): 1034-1041, April 2019

Melastomataceae
Melastoma malabathricum L. S NE N Diarrhea, puerperal infections 6
Meliaceae
Sandoricum koetjape (Burm.f.) Merr. T LC N Fever, astringent, diarrhea 6
Swietenia macrophylla King T VU N Antipyretic, tonic, astringent 1
Moraceae
Artocarpus blancoi (Elmer) Merr. T VU E Heart problem, hernia, diarrhea, 2, 3, 4
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. T NE N Wounds, ulcers 3
Ficus nota (Blanco.) Merr. T NE N Fever, muscle pain, urinary tract 1, 2
infections, hypertension, diabetes
Ficus ulmifolia Lam. T VU E Cold, dewormer 2, 4
Ficus septica Burm.f. T NE N Headache 1, 2
Streblus asper Lour. T NE N Skin diseases 1, 2, 3
Pandanaceae
Pandanus exaltatus Blanco T NE E Urinary diseases 1,3, 4
Passifloraceae
Passiflora foetida L. V NE N Antihelmintic 1, 2, 3
Phyllanthaceae
Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng T NE N Diabetes mellitus, diaphoretic 1, 3
Poaceae
Paspalum conjugatum P.J. Bergius H LC N Diarrhea 1, 3
Rutaceae
Lunasia amara Blanco T NE N Stomachache, snake bite 1, 2, 3, 4
Micromelum compressum (Blanco) Merr. T NE E Infantile convulsions 1, 3
Verbenaceae
Lantana camara L. S NE N Skin diseases 1, 2, 3, 4
Vitaceae
Leea guineensis G. Don S NE N Wound 1
Zingiberaceae
Alpinia elegans (C.Presl) K.Schum. H *VU E Urticaria, arthritis, diarrhea, 1, 2, 3
stomachache
Note: Plant families are arranged alphabetically, followed by species for each family, habit (T = tree, S = shrub, H = herb, V = vine, E =
epiphyte), proposed conservation status based on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or *DENR Administrative Order 2017-11 (NE =
Not Evaluated, DD = Data deficient, LC = Least Concern, VU = Vulnerable, EN = Endangered, CR = Critically endangered),
endemicity based on IUCN and Pelser et al. (2011-onward) or Co’s Digital Flora (E = Philippine endemic, N = non-endemic), and
medicinal references (1 = www.stuartxchange.org/CompleteList.html, 2 = www.tkdlph.com, 3 = Quisumbing, 4 = Tan, 5 = de Tavera, 6
= all authors and online sources)

Using the categories of the International Classification grandifolia (Blanco) Merr., S. macrophylla, Artocarpus
of Diseases (ICD-11) by the WHO (2018), most of the blancoi (Elmer) Merr., and F. ulmifolia. Moreover, five
recorded plant species (33 spp.) were used for certain species were identified as Least Concern (LC); A.
infectious and parasitic diseases followed by diseases of the scholaris, P. pinnata, T. indica, S. koetjape, and Paspalum
digestive system (30 spp.) (Figure 2). Categories such as conjugatum P.J. Bergius. While in DENR (2017), only A.
diseases of the blood or blood-forming organs, diseases of elegans was in the list as VU and the rest of the plant
the immune system and diseases of the visual system were species were marked as not evaluated (NE) (Table 3). As
treated by only one plant species each. According to the ascertained during this study, IUCN and DENR have
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), totally different categories for a selected species and this
about 60% of the Filipino people live below the poverty can be because of their variations in scope or level of
line and the food and water resources are limited (NEDA assessment (Villanueva and Buot 2015).
2004). As a result, Filipino masses have learned to rely on
their indigenous supplies. These common diseases are
believed to be caused by these resources (Carag and Buot Table 3. Summary of threatened and least concern medicinal
2017). plant species found in Mt. Arayat National Park, Philippines

Conservation status and endemicity Categories IUCN DENR Total


Out of the 60 medicinal plant species found in MANP, Critically Endangered (CR) 0 0 0
only 12 had been evaluated for their conservation status Endangered (EN) 0 0 0
(Table 3). Based on IUCN List of Threatened Species Vulnerable (VU) 6 1 7
(2018), six species were identified as vulnerable (VU); R. Least Concern (LC) 5 0 5
Total (CR, EN, VU, LC) 12
trisperma, Pterocarpus indicus Willd., Macaranga
SUBA et al. – A checklist of medicinal plants of Mt. Arayat, Philippines 1039

Numbers of species of medicinal plants

Factors influencing health status or contact with health services


Injury, poisoning or certain other consequences of external wound
Symptoms, signs or clinical findings, not elsewhere classified
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system or connective tissue

Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period


Mental, behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorders
Diseases of the blood or blood-forming organs

Endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases

External causes of morbidity or mortality


Pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

Diseases of the ear or mastoid process

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Conditions related to sexual health


Diseases of the circulatory system

Diseases of the respiratory system

Diseases of the digestive system

Traditional medicine conditions


Diseases of the immune system

Diseases of the nervous system

Diseases of the visual system

Codes for special purposes


Developmental anomalies
Sleep-wake disorders

Diseases of the skin


Neoplasms

Figure 2. Numbers of species of medicinal plants in Mt. Arayat National Park recorded in each of the categories of International
Classification of Diseases (WHO 2018)

In this study, four species assessed as vulnerable are all South Peak. Other threats to the park is due to the increase
endemic in the Philippines; A. elegans, M. grandifolia, A. of visitors and the lack of discipline of tourists that trespass
blancoi, and F. ulmifolia (Pelser et al. 2011-onwards). the prohibited zones of the mountain because of limited
According to Haq et al. (2010), endemic and rare taxa of an personnel overseeing the area. In MANP, the forest rangers
area are the most vulnerable because of restricted also serve as forest guides and they are also the ones
geographic ranges and specialized habitats. While other collecting litter left by tourists and mountaineers. It is a
restricted plants in the country such as Pandanus exaltatus common scenario in the Philippines that only few forest
Blanco, and Micromelum compressum (Blanco) Merr. were rangers are assigned to guard large protected areas (Carag
neither on the list of IUCN and DENR as threatened and Buot 2017). The lack of manpower is due to
species. insufficient funding that most of the park area managers are
As described by the International Union for the facing which result in poor implementation of conservation
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1994- laws and measure (Bagadion and Juan 2013).
1997), national parks are relatively large natural areas To date, several projects have been launched to
activity, where extractive resource uses are not allowed, rehabilitate and conserve resources of MANP. The
and which are established to protect outstanding natural Community Based Program (CBP) is DENR
areas of national or international significance for scientific, Administrative Order No. 2004-32 which gives
educational, and recreational use. However, like any other opportunities to organize tenured migrant communities and
protected areas, several threats to medicinal plant species indigenous people to manage, develop, utilize, conserve
are comparable to those causing endangerment to plant and protect the resources within the zones of the protected
diversity in general (Hamilton 2004). In fact, different area and buffer zones consistent with the Protected Area
threats to biodiversity in MANP were observed during the Management Plan (PAMP). The Treepreneur Project of
course of the study. Noteworthy threats are charcoal Society for the conservation of Philippine wetlands project
making along the slopes of the mountain specifically in brought in participation of women and children in tree
South Peak. Charcoal making utilizes slash and burn planting activities and maintenance of the assigned
techniques that reduce plant cover. Moreover, the plantation areas at MANP were made (SCPW 2012).
expansion of agricultural lands was mostly seen in the Finally, a new eco-tourist destination will soon rise in
1040 B I O D I V E R S I T A S 20 (4): 1034-1041, April 2019

Central Luzon, the 10-hectare San Juan Baño recreational Dela Cruz P, Ramos AG. 2006. Indigenous health knowledge systems in
the Philippines: a literature survey. Paper presented at the 13th
facility at the foot of the fabled MANP will undergo major
CONSAL Conference, Manila, Philippines, 25-30 March 2006.
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Arayat (DENR, 2018). Philippine plants and their categories. DAO 2017-11. Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines. https:
In conclusion, the present study provided a checklist
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Commission on Higher Education-Faculty Development Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City and Institute of Biological
Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna,
Program (CHED-FacDev) for the scholarship and research Philippines.
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