The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a proposed measure declaring the Waling-waling orchid as a national flower of the Philippines alongside the Sampaguita.
House Bill 5655 was authored by Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano (2nd District, Davao City), vice chairperson of the House Committees on National Cultural Communities and on Reforestation.
Garcia-Albano said the Waling-waling is not only indigenous but also endemic to the Philippines compared to the Sampaguita, a native plant from India and Arabia that was declared the Philippine national flower under Proclamation No. 652 on February 1, 1934.
Waling-waling, the country’s best orchid variety, scientifically known as Vanda Sanderiana, thrives in the tropical forest of Mount Apo in Davao and Zamboanga Del Sur, according to Garcia-Albano.
“The Waling-waling plant grows on tall diptherocarps but is never known to be a parasite. It lives on treetops reaching for the light of the sun, making it truly symbolic of the Filipino traits and characteristics,” Garcia-Albano said.
Garcia-Albano said the Waling-waling, touted as the Queen of Philippine Flowers, is very popular in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Hawaii, making it one of the world’s famous orchids.
