28/04/2026
LOOK | ๐๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ง ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ณ๐น๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ฏ๐น๐ผ๐ผ๐บ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ
April 2026 โ The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), through a team from the Aurora Biodiversity Conservation Center of the School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences (SFES) led by Director Dr. Roselyn Uy, conducted a field visit to the Aurora Memorial National Park in Maria Aurora to document a rare flowering of Rafflesia lagascae within the Sierra Madre mountain range.
The activity was carried out upon the request of the Municipal Tourism Office of Maria Aurora, led by Tourism Officer Noel C. Dulay, following another recorded sighting of the species in the protected area. This marks the second documented occurrence in two consecutive years, after a similar bloom was observed in April 2025.
Responding to the call, ASCOT mobilized its team to assist in documenting and studying the species in its natural habitatโsupporting biodiversity conservation efforts and science-based ecotourism initiatives in Aurora Province.
Belonging to the Rafflesia genusโglobally known for producing the worldโs largest flowersโRafflesia lagascae is considered one of the smaller species. Despite its size, it remains rare and ecologically significant, thriving only under specific forest conditions. Its presence within the Sierra Madre highlights the importance of protecting the regionโs rich and fragile ecosystems.
ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes has consistently emphasized the role of research in advancing environmental protection and strengthening community awareness, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.
As interest in the rare bloom grows, the public is reminded that the collection, disturbance, or poaching of Rafflesia and other protected species is strictly prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism and coordinate with local authorities to help preserve this unique natural heritage.