Senator Loren Legarda initiated a measure to declare the Waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana) as the Philippines' national orchid.

The senator's proposal underscores the urgent need to strengthen conservation efforts for one of the Philippines' most significantly threatened plant species.

Known as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids,” the waling-waling is widely recognized for its rarity, beauty, and cultural significance, according to a news release from the senator's office.

 Through her proposed measure, Legarda seeks to ensure its protection and elevate it as a lasting symbol of Philippine biodiversity and identity.

"Our national symbols are instruments of education, of unity, and of pride. As we deepen our understanding of who we are, we must also refine and enrich the symbols that represent us," she said.

Legarda emphasized that the broader message behind the proposed declaration is the protection of the waling-waling for future generations.

“The waling-waling is endemic to the Philippines. It grows naturally in the forests of Davao, Cotabato, and Zamboanga. Yet, its survival is under threat—from deforestation, from habitat loss, and from the unchecked harvesting of wild specimens for commercial and decorative purposes,” she said.

Legarda had previously proposed to have another flower recognized as a National Flower along with the sampaguita, the country's official National Flower.

“This is not the first time that this representation has sought to elevate the Waling-waling to the level of a national symbol,” Legarda said in a news release from her office.

“As early as 2012, I filed a measure proposing its declaration as an additional National Flower, alongside the Sampaguita. That measure passed both Houses during the 15th Congress. However, that proposal was ultimately vetoed,” she said.

“This is where symbolism meets substance. Some may ask: why is this important? The answer is simple: because this measure is not separate from our national priorities—it is part of them,” Senator Loren Legarda said in her sponsorship speech. A screen grab of a photo posted on the official website of the Senate of the Philippines. Photographer: Joseph Vidal/Senate Social Media Unit

QUEEN OF PHILIPPINE ORCHIDS

According to CulturED Philippines, the waling-waling is considered as the "queen" of Philippine orchids because of its impressive and colorful blooms.

"[Ang] Wáling-wáling (Vanda sanderiana), ay isa sa pinakamaganda at pinakapopular na uri o species ng dapo o orkidya (orchid) sa Filipinas. Malaki ang sukat at lubhang makulay ang mga bulaklak nitó. Dahil sa ganda, tinagurian ang Vanda sanderiana na “Reyna ng mga Orkidya” sa Filipinas," CulturED said on its website.

CulturED Philippines is the digital arm of the Philippine Cultural Education Program (PCEP) under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

As a testament to its beauty, the waling-waling is the flower featured in the official logo of the Philippine Orchid Society (POS), a non-profit organization established in 1946.

CulturED noted that POS usually holds its annual event in August as the waling-waling is usually in bloom from July to October.

The agency said, "nagdiriwang ng taunang pagtatanghal ng mga dapo ang POS tuwing Agosto upang tumapat sa pamumulaklak ng napakagandang halamang ito."

The waling-waling was discovered by Heinrich Gustav Reicheinback, a German taxonomist in Mindanao in 1882, according to CulturED.

"Ang pagkatuklas sa halamang ito ay nagbunsod sa paglago ng produksiyon ng iba pang orkidya na may haluang lahi (hybrid), na sa ngayon ay bahagi ng mayamang industriya ng bulaklak sa buong mundo," the agency said.

However, CulturED noted the threats to waling-waling production in the Philippines.

"Dahil sa malawakang pagkaubos ng kagubatan sa Davao, Sultan Kudarat at iba pang lugar sa Mindanao, at dahil sa patuloy na pagkuha ng waling-waling para gawing specimen, marami na sa species na ito ang nawala," the agency said.

"Sa ngayon, pinaniniwalaan na mas marami pa ang species ng waling-waling sa ibang bansang tulad ng Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, at Hawaii," it added.

-Veronica Pulumbarit/Paraluman News