Distribution and Traditional Uses of Sago Palms (Metroxylon sagu Rottb) in the Eastern and Central Visayas Regions of the Philippines

Abstract

 Before the emergence of rice, sago was the main source of sustenance for the inhabitants of the Malay Archipelago because its desiccated starchy products could be stored for long periods. Sago palms can be found growing wild in marshlands where plantation and agronomic crops are difficult to grow. They are abundant in some parts of Mindanao, especially in the provinces of Agusan. In Leyte, sago palms are common along the creeks, valleys, and streams of fresh water and marshlands, which are infested with schistosomes. Recently, the palms have been found in the towns of Dulag, Palo, Tanauan, Sta Fe, Alangalang, Burauen, Julita, Pastrana, Mahaplag, and Jaro. Alangalang has the most number of sago palms with approximately more than 20 hectares of aggregate clumps and forests. On the other hand, patches or clumps of sago palms were observed in the towns of Carcar, Argao, Sibonga, Samboan, and Ginatilan of Cebu Province.
 Sago is underutilized in the Philippines, while, in neighboring countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, it is considered to be the “staff of life” because of its numerous applications. The major use of sago palms in the Philippines is for roofing materials. The leaves of small palms and those that could still be reached by farmers are cut and weaved in a 1-meter bamboo split. Sago shingles are more durable than nipa, which lasts from 8 to 10 years. Sago leaves are also used for the walls of small huts or shanties. Midribs are used for making brooms and weaving baskets. The barks of the petiole are stripped and woven into amacan (weaving mat) for walls of houses and cottages.
 Although the edible sago starches are accumulated in the trunk of the palms, which are used for food, especially during lean months when rice and other foods are unavailable, sago starches are generally made into sago pearls for making Filipino delicacies, such as palagsing or suman (sago starch mixed with coconut milk or coconut meat shreds and sugar wrapped with coconut leaves or banana leaves) and sweetened landang or benignit (sago porridge mixed with glutinous rice, rootcrops, ripe table banana, sugar, and coconut milk).
 Hard fiber bark is used for walls and floors, temporary passageways for irrigating rice fields, and firewood. Waste from starch extraction is used to feed hogs and other animals and for garden compost and fertilizer.