World’s largest flower “Rafflesia” spotted in bloom in Balbalan, Kalinga

Balbalan, Kalinga – The Province of Kalinga’s rich biodiversity houses a number of wildlife species, one of which is the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia, which has recently been spotted in bloom in Balbalan.

Doc Nielsen Donato, a wildlife veterinarian and TV host, uploaded some snaps of his first encounter with Rafflesia banaoana on his Facebook account on June 21 and June 27. This species is native to the Cordillera region and blooms only under specific and rare conditions.

“Still can’t get over my first encounter with a newly bloomed Rafflesia banaoana. Ito ang hayop na bulaklak ! Hayop sa ganda,” he wrote in his June 27 post.

Donato is one of the GMA Team currently exploring the Banao Protected Landscape in Balbalan, Kalinga, for his environmental and wildlife show, Born to be Wild. Said protected area is one of Kalinga’s gems of biodiversity and cultural heritage, with its well-preserved nature and wildlife providing a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna.

The team was welcomed by Mayor Almar Malannag on June 13 at his residence in Balbalan, and they were accorded with a traditional receiving rites by the Banao tribe when they arrived at the community.