«Office of tie a TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG -4 P1:39 SENATE RECENTO S. No._ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT DECLARING THE WALING-WALING ORCHIDS AS THE SECOND NATIONAL FLOWER OF THE PHILIPPINES IN ADDITION TO SAMPAGUITA EXPLANATORY NOTE The Waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana) is one of the most exquisite orchid species in the world found only in the Philippines specifically in the tropical forests of Mount Apo and surrounding areas in Mindanao, including the provinces of Davao, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga del Sur. The Waling-waling has earned the title "Queen of Philippine Orchids" for its enigmatic beauty and significance. Among the indigenous Bagobo people, it was venerated as a "diwata", further deepening its cultural relevance. Botanically distinguished by its large, flat, violet-pink flowers, the Waling-waling was first collected in early 1880s by German botanist Carl Roebelin in Mindanao and then later on introduced to European orchid collectors in London. It was formally named Vanda sanderiana in honor of renowned botanist Henry Sanders. Despite its prominence, the Waling-waling is now classified as critically endangered. Habitat destruction caused by deforestation, along with unsustainable wild collection, has drastically reduced its numbers in the wild. As noted by renowned Filipino botanist Dr. Domingo Madulid, "The Waling-waling is almost extinct in the wild — rarer varieties of this plant can only be found in expensive nurseries." It is now listed under Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates its trade.
The Waling-waling is more than a botanical treasure, it is a symbol of Filipino identity, resilience, and environmental heritage. It is prominently featured in Davao City's Kadayawan Festival, originally called "Apo Duwaling" in honor of Mount Apo, durian, and Waling-waling. The flower also serves as a cultural and ecological icon for Mindanao and the broader Philippine floriculture industry. On the other hand, the Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac) was declared the national flower of the Philippines by Proclamation No. 652, issued by American Governor-General Frank Murphy on February 1, 1934. While the Sampaguita continues to symbolize purity, devotion, and humility, and holds livelihood value for many Filipinos, it is not indigenous to the country. As observed by respected botanists Dr. Eduardo Quisumbing and Dr. Vicente Saplala, the Sampaguita is native to Central Asia and is also one of the national flowers of Indonesia. While still recognizing the enduring importance of the Sampaguita, this measure seeks to accord the Waling-waling equal status as the second national flower of the Philippines. As a species that is uniquely Filipino, endemic, culturally revered, historically significant, and ecologically at risk, its formal recognition reinforces our commitment to conserving and protecting our biodiversity. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 AUG -4 P1:39 SENATE RECEIVED BI S. No. Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT DECLARING THE WALING-WALING ORCHIDS AS THE SECOND NATIONAL FLOWER OF THE PHILIPPINES IN ADDITION TO SAMPAGUITA Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Waling-waling as Second National Flower. - The Waling-waling orchid
2 is hereby declared as another national flower, together with Sampaguita, which was 3 declared the national flower of the Philippines in Proclamation No. 652, dated 01 4 February 1943 by Governor-General Frank Murphy.
Sec. 2. Lead Agency. - The Secretary of the Department of Environment and
6 Natural Resources shall promulgate rules and regulations that will protect, conserve, 7 and propagate the Waling-waling orchid together with Sampaguita.
Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. - Executive Proclamation No. 652 and other laws,
9 rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. Approved,