TACLOBAN CITY — The rediscovery of the endangered Samar Rafflesia in Basey has prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to intensify efforts to protect the rare flower and the forest habitat where it survives.
The DENR-Samar Island Natural Park (DENR-SINP), through its Protected Area Management Office (PAMO), recently joined the Local Government Unit of Basey in conducting a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign in Barangay Guirang to encourage residents to help safeguard the species and its habitat.
The Samar Rafflesia (Rafflesia manillana) was rediscovered and documented in the area in 2026, about 15 years after it was last recorded.
During surveys conducted on May 26–28 and June 9–11, 2026, a DENR-SINP team documented 24 visible buds and flowers, including one fully bloomed flower, in Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay Guirang.
Based on available records, the site is currently the only confirmed distribution of Rafflesia manillana.
“The 2026 documentation is significant because it confirms that Rafflesia manillana continues to survive in its natural habitat after approximately fifteen years without a known documented record,” said Emely C. Villocero, Forest Technician II of the DENR-SINP Protected Area Management Office.
The Samar Rafflesia is endemic to Samar and is classified as Endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-20.
During the awareness campaign, residents were briefed on the flower’s ecological importance, conservation status and dependence on a specific forest habitat and host vine. DENR officials stressed that disturbances to the surrounding vegetation could threaten the species’ survival.
The campaign also highlighted signs of possible threats in and around the Rafflesia habitat, including indications associated with suspected illegal timber poaching and other human activities that could contribute to forest degradation.
Residents were encouraged to help protect the site and report activities that could threaten the Samar Rafflesia and its habitat.
PAMO-SINP also discussed Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, which prohibits unauthorized activities that may damage protected habitats and wildlife.
DENR-SINP said it will continue monitoring the Rafflesia site and work toward establishing a Biodiversity Monitoring System. The agency will also coordinate with experts to support further research and long-term conservation efforts for the species.
The DENR said sustained cooperation among the agency, the Basey local government and residents of Barangay Guirang will be crucial in protecting the Samar Rafflesia and the forest ecosystem where it continues to survive.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
