MANILA, May 8 (PNA) — A Php 150-million road leading to one of Bukidnon’s top tourist attractions has been completed, a Palace official announced on Friday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the new access road, built by the Department of Public Works and Highways under the Tourism Infrastructure Program, is located in Sitio Kalanganan, Barangay San Vicente in the town of Baungon.
Valte said the new road makes it easier for tourists to visit the Rafflesia Yard, which has been declared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as a critical habitat of the largest flower in the Philippines – the Rafflesia, known locally as ‘bo-o’ or ‘kolon busaw.’
“It is the second largest flower in the world, with a diameter that can reach up to 80 centimeters. Because of the new access road that has been built and completed, our visitors and our tourists will now have an easier time to access the flower yard,” she explained during a press briefing.
The Rafflesia in Bukidnon was reportedly identified by botanist Ulysses Ferreras as the Rafflesia Schadenbergiana Goppert that was thought to be extinct. The flower was last seen by German Alex Schandenberg on Mount Apo in 1881 before it was again found in Bukidnon 126 years later.
Aside from the rare flower, Bukidnon is also home to four of the country’s Top 10 highest peaks. These are Mt. Dulang-Dulang (2nd), Mt. Kitanglad (4th), Mt. Kalatungan (5th), and Mt. Maagnaw (8th). (PNA)