Apayao: Forest guards in Apayao province, along with personnel of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in mountainous Calanasan town, have discovered clusters of thriving rare wild jade vine, or most commonly known as Tayabak (Strongylodon macrobotrys), in remote barangays Tanglagan and Langnao. Municipal environment and natural resources officer Sarah Mae Batil informed that they were conducting regular biodiversity monitoring when they sighted the jade vine's blooming flower.
According to Philippines News Agency, Batil emphasized that the presence of the species in Calanasan town is a strong indicator of a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. The public is encouraged to report sightings of the species to the MENRO for monitoring and documentation and is reminded not to gather the plants for cultivation.
Authorities have stated that this plant is endemic to the tropical rainforests of the Philippines. The climbing plant is recognized for its spectacular hanging clusters of claw-shaped flowers in a rare turquoise to jade-green color, which can grow up to a meter long. It is generally regarded as endangered or vulnerable in the wild and is a rare find because it is pollinated by bats.
Considered a national treasure and a symbol of natural beauty, the jade vine is featured on the Philippine five-peso coin. Batil mentioned the strict implementation of the Wildlife Act and the Lapat Ordinance, which prohibits the gathering of wild plants. Lapat, a customary belief practiced by the Isnag people, designates specific areas as sacred and off-limits to the public, including immediate family members, following the death of its owner or occupant.
