TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. ^^3
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25 AUG “4 PI 39
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Introduced by Senator Loren 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 (Vanda sanderiana) is one of the most exquisite orchid 
species in the world found only in the Philippines specifically in the tropical forests of 
Mount Apo and surrounding areas in Mindanao, including the provinces of Davao, 
South Cotabato, and Zamboanga del Sur. The Waling-waling has earned the title 
"Queen of Philippine Orchids" for its enigmatic beauty and significance. Among the 
indigenous Bagobo people, it was venerated as a "diwata", further deepening its 
cultural relevance.
Botanically distinguished by its large, flat, violet-pink flowers, the Waling-waling 
was first collected in early 1880s by German botanist Carl Roebelin in Mindanao and 
then later on introduced to European orchid collectors in London. It was formally 
named Vanda sanderiana in honor of renowned botanist Henry Sanders.
Despite its prominence, the Waling-waling is now classified as critically 
endangered. Habitat destruction caused by deforestation, along with unsustainable 
wild collection, has drastically reduced its numbers in the wild. As noted by renowned 
Filipino botanist Dr. Domingo Madulid, "The Waling-waling is almost extinct in the wild 
— rarer varieties of this plant can only be found in expensive nurseries." It is now 
listed under Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species 
(CITES), which regulates its trade.
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The Waling-waling is more than a botanical treasure, it is a symbol of Filipino 
identity, resilience, and environmental heritage. It is prominently featured in Davao 
City's Kadayawan Festival, originally called "Apo Duwaling" in honor of Mount Apo, 
durian, and Waling-waling. The flower also serves as a cultural and ecological icon for 
Mindanao and the broader Philippine floriculture industry.
On the other hand, the Sampaguita {Jasminum sambac) was declared the 
national flower of the Philippines by Proclamation No. 652, issued by American 
Governor-General Frank Murphy on February 1,1934. While the Sampaguita continues 
to symbolize purity, devotion, and humility, and holds livelihood value for many 
Filipinos, it is not indigenous to the country. As observed by respected botanists Dr. 
Eduardo Quisumbing and Dr. Vicente Saplala, the Sampaguita is native to Central Asia 
and is also one of the national flowers of Indonesia.
While still recognizing the enduring importance of the Sampaguita, this 
measure seeks to accord the Waling-waling equal status as the second national flower 
of the Philippines. As a species that is uniquely Filipino, endemic, culturally revered, 
historically significant, and ecologically at risk, its formal recognition reinforces our 
commitment to conserving and protecting our biodiversity.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No._S23
©ffifp of tlir -i":.X i.ii'!'
25 AUG-4 PI 39
RL:aivr:(3 m-'
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
DECLARING THE WALING-WALING ORCHIDS AS THE SECOND NATIONAL 
FLOWER OF THE PHILIPPINES IN ADDITION TO SAMPAGUITA
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Waiing-waiing as Second National Flower. - The Waling-waling orchid
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is hereby declared as another national flower, together with Sampaguita, which was
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declared the national flower of the Philippines in Proclamation No. 652, dated 01
4 
February 1943 by Governor-General Frank Murphy.
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Sec. 2. Lead Agency. - The Secretary of the Department of Environment and
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Natural Resources shall promulgate rules and regulations that will protect, conserve,
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and propagate the Waling-waling orchid together with Sampaguita.
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Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. — Executive Proclamation No. 652 and other laws,
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rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed
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or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,