MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda is leading a renewed legislative push to officially recognize the Vanda sanderiana, popularly known as the Waling-waling, as the national orchid of the Philippines.
In a move aimed at bolstering biodiversity conservation and national pride, Legarda filed Senate Bill No. 2894 on May 8, 2026. The bill seeks to elevate the Waling-waling to a status equal to the Sampaguita, which currently stands as the country’s sole national flower.
Legarda emphasized that the orchid is more than just a decorative plant; it is a symbol of the country’s unique ecological heritage.
- Endemic Status: The Waling-waling is native only to the islands of Mindanao, particularly in the foothills of Mount Apo in Davao, Cotabato, and Zamboanga.
- Global Recognition: Known internationally as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids,” it is considered one of the finest and most beautiful orchid species in the world, often used in hybridizing many of today’s modern orchid varieties.
- Cultural Significance: For the indigenous Bagobo people, the orchid is revered as a diwata (deity), symbolizing the deep spiritual connection between the Filipino people and their natural environment.
Beyond symbolism, the bill serves as a call to action for environmental protection.
“By declaring the Waling-waling as a national orchid, we are not just giving it a title; we are mandating its protection,” Legarda said in a statement. “This flower is currently endangered in the wild due to over-collection and habitat loss. We must ensure that future generations can still see it blooming in our forests.”
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- Mandatory Protection: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would be tasked with implementing strict conservation and propagation programs.
- Educational Integration: The Department of Education (DepEd) would incorporate information about the Waling-waling and Philippine biodiversity into the national curriculum.
- National Awareness: The bill encourages the cultivation of the Waling-waling in public parks, government buildings, and schools to raise public appreciation for native flora.
This is not the first time the Waling-waling has been considered for national status. A similar measure was approved by Congress in 2013 but was ultimately vetoed due to concerns that it might displace the Sampaguita.
Legarda clarified that her bill is designed to complement the Sampaguita, not replace it. “The Sampaguita represents our purity and resilience, while the Waling-waling represents our grandeur and the richness of our natural resources. Both can—and should—represent the Filipino spirit,” she explained.
With the current administration’s focus on environmental sustainability and cultural heritage, supporters of the bill are optimistic that the Waling-waling will finally receive its crown this year.