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 and exceptional bloom, endemic to our forests, particularly in Mindanao. However, that proposal was ultimately vetoed. Mr. President, our national symbols must not only inspire. They must also be clear, coherent, and consistent within our legal and historical framework.

Today, we return with a more precise and thoughtful approach. Instead of declaring it as a National Flower alongside Sampaguita, we now seek to recognize the Waling-waling in a manner that strengthens and harmonizes with our existing national symbols.

This bill proposes to declare the Waling-waling as the National Orchid of the Philippines.

The importance of this measure lies not merely in recognition, but in its protection.

The Waling-waling is endemic to the Philippines. It grows naturally in the forests of Davao, Cotabato, and Zamboanga. Yet, its survival is under threat—from deforestation, illegal logging, from habitat loss, climate change, from the unchecked harvesting of wild specimens for commercial and decorative purposes.

To declare it a national symbol is to elevate its status—and with that elevation comes responsibility.

Under this measure, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is mandated to lead conservation, protection, and propagation efforts. The National Museum of the Philippines is tasked to preserve and promote its scientific, cultural, and heritage significance.

This is where symbolism meets substance. Some may ask: why is this important? The answer is simple: because this measure is not separate from our national priorities—it is part of them.

Environmental protection is not a secondary concern. Biodiversity conservation is not optional. Cultural identity is not just ornamental. They are foundational.

The Philippines is one of the world’s richest centers of biodiversity—and yet also one of the most threatened. Every species we lose is a part of our heritage that disappears forever.

At the same time, our national symbols are instruments for education, for unity, of pride. As we deepen our understanding of who we are, we must also refine and enrich the symbols that represent us.

This measure affirms the endemicity, rarity, beauty, popularity, and growing cultural significance of the Waling-waling, qualities that make it worthy of national recognition.

Sa ating pagbibigay ng karapat-dapat na pagkilala sa Waling-waling, nagbibigay din tayo ng malinaw na pahayag—na pinahahalagahan ng Pilipinas ang ating likas-yaman, ipinagmamalaki natin ang mga bagay na tunay na atin, na nakatuon tayo sa pangangalaga nito para sa mga susunod nahenerasyon.

For these reasons, I respectfully seek the approval of this measure for the second time in this Chamber.

Thank you, Mr. President.