The UP Resilience Institute Research and Creative Work Division and the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) had a very fruitful exploratory meeting last September 18, 2024, in preparation for an upcoming project – Project TANIM. Primarily a comprehensive research study involving the establishment of an integrated herbal garden as a means to the generation of green jobs; the project’s main objective is to integrate the Bio-Circular Green Economy (BCGE) framework in establishing an integrated herbal garden incorporating one or more of the 10 DOH-approved medicinal plants, blending ecosystem conservation with herbal production.
During the meeting, RCW Junior Project Assistant Alexa Samantha R. Hernandez discussed project goals, project status, and potential collaborations should the ZCMC choose to engage. To improve local access to alternative medicines and create livelihood opportunities, the project underscores a tripartite partnership between public health institutions, local government, and local communities, highlighting the key role Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) in Zamboanga City will hold.
Dr. Afdal B. Kunting, ZCMC Medical Center Chief, reiterated the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and practices. He said that Indigenous communities have a lot to contribute to this project because Indigenous communities have deeply-rooted knowledge and practices around medicinal plants. Doing so allows them to serve as co-creators rather than passive participants in the project. RCW Director Dr. Glecy Atienza and RCW Chief Science Research Specialist Mr. Dennis de la Torre added, “We want this to be more than just a training program. The goal is to create a self-sustaining model that leverages Indigenous knowledge, builds market demand, and has the support of local government and NGOs.”