so waling-waling is our second national flower alongside ...

Hi, I haven't seen a real one, it is quite rare and can command a higher price than the common Sampaguita, one reason they spent a lot of people's money to put it in that category. I heard it is a wild flower, a kind of orchid found in deep forests and tall trees, inaccessible to ordinary people. Maybe some variety has been "domesticated" and grown in home gardens, but like I said, I still has to see a live one until now.

Well what can we do about it since it is mandated by law that to declare some things as national symbols it should go through deliberation in the legislative branch of government before it is formally considered as one. Although I am aware of what waling waling is but I really do not know why was it considered as a national flower.

I don't think they spent like millions of pesos for that senate bill... maybe just a couple of thousands... well, whatever that is... i believe that is money well spent... it is like investing in the future of our country... how... to name a few: 1. Enrich our heritage... 2. A way of protecting and preserving our natural resources... when the Philippine Eagle was declared as a National Symbol... the move to preserve and protect the specie strengthened... so from being a soon to be extinct type of eagle... it is now gearing towards population recovery... the Waling Waling thrives in the forest... so in order to protect it... we must protect our forest... and if we do that... a lot of good things will follow... 3. To avoid confusion in what teachers should teach students... imagine... one teacher told his students that the Philippine National form of transportation is... the... CALESA... where in the world did he get that information??? These are just three reasons... there are more... but i think these will do...

Honestly? If this is something that will contribute to Filipinos being a more cohesive identity rather than just a bunch of people who just happened to live in the same space with some shared bloodlines in their veins, then I'm all for it. There is such a lack of national identity in this country that anything that can help with that, I'm definitely for it. Apart from the "Pinoy Pride!!!" stuff on random blogs, forums and youtube videos -- which, let's face it, easily falls into the trap of being obnoxious -- I don't think Filipinos are much into being Filipinos and their country/culture (except when we're slighted by other countries, apparently, and then it can become too much). Otherwise, more people would comment when places or buildings or creations steeped in history are destroyed for the sake of "development", however dubious that development may be. I also think it was a shame that it wasn't originally our national flower, considering that Waling-waling was a uniquely Philippine-based flower before it was scientifically cultivated by other nations for its scent. I keep hoping the government will fund its cultivation and perfume production since it seemed to be highly prized elsewhere.

Waling waling is indigenous in our country so it reflects an identity. Sampaguita is used for years to welcome our visitors.Those are good points.You are right, anyhow, that our lawmakers should focus more of their time on laws that help our economy.National things are mundane and irrelevant in bringing food in our tables

Yeah, that is right, why are these senators spending a lot of time on minor issues. I wonder if these senators are really doing great in our country. They are celebritized, they have comfortable lives in their senate office but how come lots of Filipinos are hungry and suffering from poverty?

I guess they don't have anything better to do, hahaha, just kidding. Well, I really don't have any take on this. It's just those issues that happen that you don't have any comments or side to choose from. I was like, MEH, when I've heard this news. I guess our young ones will benefit from this in the future, who knows.