The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) sighted four rafflesia verrucosa, a species endemic to the Philippines and classified as critically endangered, at Mt. Matutum in Barangay Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato.

Two of the four were found in Sitio Natal Ngisi, one of which is yet to bloom, as of this writing. The other two were spotted in Sitio Glandang.

“These glimpses are significant as Rafflesia verrucosa is listed as a critically endangered species under DAO 2017-11, the "Updated List of Threatened Philippine Plants and their Categories,” DENR-12 said.

DENR-12 said the presence of the rare flowers underscores the need to strengthen conservation efforts to safeguard biodiversity within Mt. Matutum.

"The sightings of Rafflesia verrucosa at the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), a protected area, indicate that the biodiversity and its ecosystem are still intact, and it's only proper that the ongoing protection and conservation efforts for this rare plant shall be sustained within the MMPL", DENR-12 Regional Executive Director, Atty. Felix Alicer, said.

The team from Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape-Biodiversity Monitoring System (MMPL-BMS) planned to return to the area to monitor and observe the flower’s full bloom.

“The BMS is conducted twice annually to closely monitor the biodiversity in the area, address potential threats, and provide targeted recommendations for conservation efforts,” DENR-12 said.