NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 841
of (1m? £•■
’22 JUL25 PI 36
RI!C£;V,73BV.
Introduced by Senator Loren B. 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 is considered one of the most beautiful orchid species 
endemic to the island of Mindanao, particularly in the tropical forest of Mount Apo, 
in Davao, South Cotabato's provinces, and Zamboanga del Sur. It is regarded as the 
"Queen of Philippine Orchids" and was once worshipped by native Bagobos as a 
"diwata."
First introduced to orchid enthusiasts in London in 1882, its immense beauty 
and ornamental value have spread to countries like Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, 
and Hawaii, making the cultivation of Waling-waling hybrids a highly lucrative 
business. Given its immense popularity, it has become increasingly rare for Waling- 
waling to be found in its natural habitat. However, in the 1980s, modern technology 
finally succeeded in the mass production of the prized flower, thus highlighting its 
potential as an export product of the country.
On the other hand, American Governor-General Frank Murphy declared that 
Sampaguita, or the Jasminum Sambac, to be the national flower of the Philippines 
through Proclamation No. 652, dated 01 February 1934. Sampaguita is also considered


as one of Indonesia's three national flowers, along with the Moon Orchid and 
Rafflesia.
According to Dr. Eduardo Quisumbing, a distinguished Filipino Botanist, and 
Dr. Vicente Saplala of the University of the Philippines - Los Banos, Sampaguita is not 
originally found in the Philippines but is, in fact, native to other countries in Central 
Asia, while Waling-waling "is not only indigenous but also endemic to the country."
Aside from its endemicity and economic viability, the characteristics of Waling- 
waling reflect Filipinos' innate traits and national character: (1) the Waling-waling 
grows on tall hardwood trees and is never known as a parasite in its habitat, which 
may symbolize the persistence of Filipinos to achieve their high aspirations without 
neglecting others along the way; (2) its capacity to adapt to its environment, whether 
in tropical weather such as in the country or wintry weather of foreign countries, 
symbolizes the resilience of Filipinos to withstand situations wherever they may be; 
and (3) without abuse and destruction to its natural habitat, the Waling-waling can 
live on its own. Such characteristic symbolizes the independence of the Filipino people 
to stand on their own skills and competencies while co-existing harmoniously with 
other nations and races.
While this measure continues to recognize the prominence of Sampaguita as 
the national flower of the country, as well as its value to the livelihood of many 
Filipinos, this proposed measure seeks to elevate Waling-waling and accord this floral 
species the same equal importance and significance as the country's second 
representative flower.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.No. 841
S>enatif
*22 JUL25 PI 36
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
DECLARING THE WALING-WALING ORCHIDS AS THE SECOND 
NATIONAL FLOWER OF THE PHILIPPINES IN ADDITION TO SAMPAGUITA
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section 1. Waling-ivaling 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.
5 
Sec. 2. Lead Agency. - The Secretary of the Department of Environment and
6 
Natural Resources shall promulgate rules and regulations that will protect,
7 
conserve, and propagate the Waling-waling orchid together with Sampaguita,
8 
Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. - Executive Proclamation No. 652 and other laws, rules
9 
and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
10 
modified accordingly.
11 
Sec. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
12 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,