Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) researchers Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez and Mr. Louiesito A. Magnaye Jr. were recognized as Best Oral Research Presenters under the Social Sciences Track (Set C) at the 2nd International Research Opportunities, Developments, and Extension Outcomes (IRODEO) Conference 2025, held from June 16 to 18 at Liceo de Masbate, Masbate City.
Their presentation, “Tambalan: An Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Healers and Herbal Medicines in Barangay Peña II, Calbayog City,” earned praise for its depth, relevance, and social significance. The study documents the medicinal practices of local tambalans (traditional healers), detailing 62 medicinal plants, preparation methods, and the spiritual and communal dimensions of healing. The research reveals how oral traditions, indigenous rituals, and experiential learning form the bedrock of grassroots healthcare in areas with limited access to modern medicine.
The research was a joint endeavor with fellow NwSSU researchers Mr. Vercelle A. Docdoc and Mr. Shian A. Morallos, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach that bridges ethnobotany, cultural studies, and community health. Together, the team spotlighted not only the rich botanical knowledge preserved in rural practice, but also the vital sociocultural roles of healers serving Calbayog’s communities.
This recognition strengthens NwSSU’s growing influence as a hub for culturally grounded, community-responsive research. By engaging deeply with themes rooted in Samar’s local traditions and lived experiences, the university continues to champion scholarship that is inclusive, transformative, and anchored on local realities. The award also reinforces its strategic emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.