Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUsE-B.|iLNo.6152
Introduced by Representative Vincent J. Garcia
HXPLANATORY NOTE
This  bill  seeks  to  declare  the  Walingwaling  orchid  as  the  National  Orchid  of the
Philippines..
The walingwaling plant, which is the best orchid variety in the country, is scientifically
known as Vanda Sanderiana and used to abound in the tropical forest of Mount Apo, Province
of Davao, and Zant)oapga del Sun. The orchid is touted as the queen of philippine flowers and
is worshipped as "Diwata" by the native bagobos.
Aside  from  having  its  origin  in  the  Philippines,  the  Walingwaling  orchid  is  truly
symbolic of the Filipino traits and characteristics.
The Walingwaling orchid grow on tall diptherocarps but is never known to be a parasite.
It lives on treetops reaching for the light of the sun.
This majestic plant perched atop a tall tree enjoying the elements of the earth symbolize
the high aspirations of the Filipino. The Walingwaling is never choosy in its growing environs.
It is known to thrive in the lowlands of Southern Tagalog, the cool climes of Los Banos, Laguna
and even the cold wintry weather of America, subsisting on the lights of a fluorescent bulb.
Such quality can be a symbol of resiliency of the Filipinos.  Moreover, the plant could live
without support.  It does not shy away from symbiotic relationships with the diptherocaxps.
Such characteristics are symbolic of Filipino independence. As a proud Filipino race, we enjoy
our independence but we also live harmoniously and peacefully with other nations.
The omanental value of Walingwaling is of national and international popularity. It
was in  1982 when Frederick Sander of London introduced the Walingwaling to the orchid
enthusiasts and lovers in London. It was also propagated by orchid lobbyist and commercial
orchid growers  in other countries particularly  Singapore,  Thailand, Hongkong and Hawaii.


Since then, the Walingwaling hybrids have been one of the world's multibillion dollar orchid
and cutflower industry. This is symbolic of the adaptability of the Filipinos.
If walingwaling shall be saved, protected, regulated and its industry developed, it could
be the single biggest dollar earner for the country and would contribute to the economic growhl
of the Filipinos.
For these reasons, the Walingwaling should be the Philippines' National Orchid, hence,
this bill, approval of which is earnestly recommended.
V I^wl  SandQ
VINCENT J. GARCIA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HousEB`|ifio.6152
Introduced by Representative Vincent J. Garcia
AN ACT
DECLARING THE WALINGWALING ORCHID AS TIIE NATIONAL ORCHID 0F
THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacted by the Serute  and the House Of Representatives  Of the Philippines  in
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. The Walingwaling, the scientific name of which is Vanda Sanderiana, is
hereby declared as the National Orchid of the Philippines.
SEC. 2. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination with
the  National  Historical  Commission  of the  Philippines,  shall  promulgate  the  rules  and
regulations governing the acquisition, care and disposal of, and the protection, conservation
and propagation of the Walingwaling.
SEC. 3.  All laws, decrees, orders and rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC 4.  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved.