House declares ‘walingwaling’ national orchid, ‘balangay’ national boat
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2019 11:40:57 +0000
THE House of Representatives has approved on second reading bills declaring the walingwaling the national orchid and balangay the national boat.
If House Bill (HB) 4952 is passed into law, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Historical Commission would be tasked to “promulgate the rules and regulations governing the acquisition, care and disposal of, and the protection, conservation, and propagation of walingwaling.”
Walingwaling, with the scientific name Vanda sanderiana, is a species of orchid indigenous and endemic to the Philippines. The bill seeks to recognize walingwaling and to encourage its conservation, protection, and promotion.
The House also approved on second reading HB 4953, declaring the balangay the national boat to recognize its historical and cultural significance and the ideals, values, and traditions that it represents.
“The balangay is a testament to the early Filipino’s boatbuilding genius and seafaring expertise and an embodiment of the Filipino community’s ideals of solidarity, unity, resilience, courage and bravery.
The balangay is found in Butuan City and is considered a cultural treasure of the country. DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ