Sponsorship Speech of Senator Loren Legarda | An Act Declaring the Waling-Waling (Vanda sanderiana) as the National Orchid of the Philippines | May 5, 2026

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues.

I rise to sponsor an Act declaring the Waling-waling, Vanda sanderiana, as the National Orchid of the Philippines.

This is not the first time that this representation has sought to elevate the Waling-waling to the level of a national symbol.

As early as 2012, I filed a measure proposing its declaration as an additional National Flower, alongside the Sampaguita. That measure passed both Houses during the 15th Congress, emphasizing its status as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids,” a rare […]