BOOKS: Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna (14 Volumes) "The Philippines is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world."

Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna 

Book Collection of the Living with Nature Center, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

Flora refers to all the plant life present in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring native plants. The corresponding term for animals is fauna, and for fungi, it is funga. Bacteria and fungi are also referred to as flora as in the terms gut flora or skin flora. Wikipedia

Dr Abe V Rotor

The Narra tree (Pterocarpus indicus) is a symbol of many things. It is tall and symbolizes the lofty ideals of the Filipino people. It is tall, strong, enduring and signify the persistence of the Filipinos in their demand for freedom. While other trees are bent or uprooted by storms, the narra usually withstands such disaster. It is the national tree of the Philippines.

Carabaos (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) are a genetically distinct population of swamp-type water buffaloes from the Philippines. The carabao is the national animal of the Philippines. It symbolizes strength, power, efficiency, perseverance, and most of all, hardwork. Internet

The Philippines is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, possessing more than 12,000 different species of plants, 560 recognized bird species, 180 species of terrestrial mammals, 250 reptiles, 400 species of coral, and 1,000 different fishes.

Excerpt from 
Country Profiles // Main Details
Philippines - Country Profile
Biodiversity Facts
Status and trends of biodiversity, including benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services

The Philippines is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species. The Philippines ranks fifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the world’s flora. Species endemism is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49% of terrestrial wildlife, while the country ranks fourth in bird endemism. The Philippines is also one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots with at least 700 threatened species, thus making it one of the top global conservation areas. The national list of threatened faunal species was established in 2004 and includes 42 species of land mammals, 127 species of birds, 24 species of reptiles and 14 species of amphibians. In terms of fishes, the Philippines counts at least 3,214 species, of which about 121 are endemic and 76 threatened. In 2007, an administrative order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources established a national list of threatened plant species, indicating that 99 species were critically endangered, 187 were endangered, 176 vulnerable as well as 64 other threatened species.

This unique biodiversity is supported by a large variety of ecosystems, landscapes and habitats, most of which are also greatly threatened by human activities. According to the FAO definition, the Philippines has 7.2 million ha of forest ecosystems, comprising approximately 24% of the total land area. It is however estimated that, between 2000 and 2005, the Philippines lost 2.1% of its forest cover annually, representing the second fastest rate of deforestation in Southeast Asia (second to Myanmar) and seventh in the world. The country’s agricultural ecosystem is also noteworthy. The Philippines is part of the center of diversity of rice, coconut, mung bean, taro and yam, as well as the center of origin and diversity of bananas in Southeast Asia. Yet this agricultural biodiversity is nowadays experiencing general decline, as is the land area devoted to these activities. 

(Acknowledgement: Country Profiles Philippines - Country Profile: Biodiversity Facts (Internet)