MANILA, Philippines – Inisponsoran ni Senador Loren Legarda ang hakbang na magdedeklara sa Waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana) bilang 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,” ani Legarda.
“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. However, that proposal was ultimately vetoed.”
“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, from habitat loss, and from the unchecked harvesting of wild specimens for commercial and decorative purposes,” pagpapatuloy pa niya.
Sa ilalim ng panukala, pangungunahan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ang konserbasyon, proteksyon at propagation efforts, habang ang National Museum of the Philippines ang magbabantay sa mga hakbang para idokumento at ipakilala ang scientific, cultural, at heritage significance nito.
“Our national symbols are instruments of education, of unity, and of pride. As we deepen our understanding of who we are, we must also refine and enrich the symbols that represent us,” ani Legarda.
Tinapos naman ni Legarda ang sponsorship speech nito sa pagpapahayag ng mas malaking mensahe sa likod ng panukalang deklarasyon.
“Sa ating pagbibigay ng karapat-dapat na pagkilala sa Waling-waling, nagbibigay rin tayo ng malinaw na pahayag—na pinahahalagahan ng Pilipinas ang ating likas na yaman, ipinagmamalaki natin ang mga bagay na tunay na atin, at nakatuon tayo sa pangangalaga nito para sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” ani Legarda.
Kilala bilang “Queen of Philippine Orchids,” ang Waling-waling ay kinikilala sa pagiging rare nito, taglay na ganda at cultural significance.
Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito ay mapoprotektahan at mapatataas ang pangangalaga sa waling-waling bilang simbolo ng biodiversity at identity ng bansa. RNT/JGC
