The Queen of Philippine Orchids as the other National Flower of the Philippines?

Waling-Waling (Vanda sanderiana)

There has been interesting talks about adding another national flower in the Philippines... Read on and know why the recommendation was made by the National Museum of the Philippines.

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Waling-Waling, the other national flower?

By RIO ROSE RIBAYA

November 26, 2011, 7:36pm
Manila Bulletin online

MANILA, Philippines — Two flowers are better than one.

Or so it will be as the House Committee on Revision of Laws approved a bill declaring Waling-Waling (scientific name: Vanda sanderiana) as a new national flower of the Philippines, together with the Sampaguita.

In a hearing earlier this week, the House committee approved House Bill No. 4073, “Subject to Style,” after the National Museum of the Philippines recommended the Waling-Waling to be declared as another national flower of the country.

“The National Museum confirmed that the Sampaguita is native to India and Arabia, while Waling-Waling is not only indigenous but endemic to the Philippines,” the committee reported in a daily bulletin.

The Philippines is home to more than a thousand species of orchids known for their exotic beauty, the rarest and most beautiful of them is Waling-Waling, described as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids.”

One of the largest species in the world, Waling-Waling has become the most sought-after flower in Mindanao for its large and colorful hybrids, growing on tree trunks in the rainforests of Davao, Sultan Kudarat, and other parts of Mindanao.

It blooms only once a year, between July and October. However, the continuous plunder of this prized specimen has brought it to near-extinction.

Citing a letter from the museum, the National Museum explained that the selection of Sampaguita as the national flower was based more on its traditional and historical significance by virtue of Proclamation No. 652 on Feb. 1, 1934.

Noting its popularity ornamental value, fragrance, and the role it plays in the legends and traditions of the Filipino people, the National Museum clarified its recommendation for Sampaguita to retain its status as the Philippines’ national flower.

“Waling-Waling can either be designated as the national orchid of the country or as another national flower (considering) that other countries such as Indonesia have more than one national flower,” the National Museum stated in a letter.

Davao City Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano, the author of the bill, acceded to the proposal.