DENR eyes monitoring system for endangered Samar Rafflesia flower

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Samar Island Natural Park (DENR-SINP) is developing a Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) to conserve the endangered Samar Rafflesia (Rafflesia manillana) in Basey, Samar.

The initiative follows the rediscovery and documentation of the rare flowering plant in Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay Guirang in Basey town, about 15 years after it was last recorded there.

DENR is also collaborating with experts on further research about the specie.

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The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) – SINP said in a statement on Friday that the monitoring system will provide a more systematic way to track the rare plant, its habitat and potential threats to its survival.

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“The DENR-SINP also plans to work with experts to generate additional scientific information that could guide conservation measures for the specie, including its habitat requirements and relationship with its host vine,” the agency stated.

A DENR-SINP team documented 24 visible buds and flowers, including one fully bloomed flower, during surveys conducted in the upland area of Guirang village on May 26-28 and June 9-11.

According to available records, the site is currently the only confirmed location of Rafflesia manillana.

“The 2026 documentation is significant because it confirms that Rafflesia manillana continues to survive in its natural habitat after approximately 15 years without a known documented record,” the DENR-SINP added.

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The Samar Rafflesia is endemic to Samar and is classified as endangered under DENR Administrative Order 2026-20.

To complement scientific monitoring, the PAMO-SINP, in partnership with Basey’s local government unit, recently conducted a communication, education, and public awareness campaign.

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The activity is meant to encourage residents to help protect the specie and its habitat.

Residents were briefed on the ecological importance and conservation status of the Rafflesia, and its dependence on a specific forest habitat and host vine.

DENR officials said disturbing surrounding vegetation could threaten the plant’s survival.

The awareness campaign highlighted threat indicators near the Rafflesia habitat, such as signs of illegal timber poaching and human activities that could cause forest degradation.

Residents were encouraged to report activities that could threaten the Rafflesia and its habitat.

Experts also discussed Republic Act 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, which prohibits unauthorized activities that may damage protected habitats and wildlife.

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The DENR-SINP emphasized that ongoing monitoring, research and collaboration with conservation experts and local communities are crucial for creating long-term measures to protect the Samar Rafflesia. /apl