A Comparative Analysis on Bugkalot of Elders and GenZ Perception on the Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Practices in Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino

Abstract

This qualitative, ethnographic study explores the use of medicinal plants within the Bugkalot community for healing purposes. It aims to evaluate the younger generation’s knowledge of these plants, alongside the methods of their preparation and administration. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with key informants, the research underscores the importance of ethical considerations, securing permissions from both the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and individual participants. The study engages with a diverse age group, including Generation Z members aged 13 to 25 and seniors aged 70 to 85, involving a total of nine participants. Data collection was enriched by recorded discussions subsequent to questionnaire dissemination, maintaining confidentiality regarding participant profiles. Through qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts, organized into thematic units, the study interprets the collected data to shed light on the Bugkalot community’s ethnobotanical knowledge. This research not only contributes to the understanding of traditional healing practices but also suggests a framework for their preservation and potential integration into wider healthcare systems. It opens future research pathways into the medicinal properties of specific plants, the fusion of traditional and modern healthcare practices, and the documentation of cultural significance within the Bugkalot healing tradition. Keywords: Medicinal plant, Bugkalot, Healing practices, Ethnobotanical, Indigenous people, Cytotoxixity, patability