Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.________ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Hon. Mark O. Go  
__________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Climate change is now considered as one of the most fundamental challenges that humanity 
needs to face. It affects more than just a change in the weather, it refers to seasonal changes over a 
long period of time. 
The climate patterns play a fundamental function in shaping natural ecosystems, and the 
human economies and cultures that depend on them. Since various systems are attached to climate, a 
change in climate may affect many related aspects of where and how people, animals, and plants 
live, such as production of food, availability and use of water, and threats to health. 
Thus, climate change is very alarming – it can also affect biodiversity, sea level, agriculture, 
forestry, water resources, energy use and transportation. 
In order to avert the worsening climate impacts and reduce the man-made greenhouse gas 
emissions, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) initiated the National 
Greening Program, a climate change mitigation strategy that aims to enhance the country’s forest 
stock to absorb carbon dioxide, that is largely blamed for global warming. It is also intended to 
reduce poverty, providing alternative livelihood activities for marginalized upland and lowland 
households relating to seedling production, care and maintenance of newly-planted trees. 
There are several impacts of climate change that could delay the realization of targets set 
under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and thus, sustainable development.  A key to 
ensuring sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and achieving economic growth is through 
the collective action of the citizens. 
As a way of protecting our environment and helping the state in achieving its goals, this 
measure requires parents to plant two (2) tress for every child born to them. 
According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, an average of 4,177 
babies are born daily or about 174 babies born per hour or approximately three babies born per 
minute. In 2020, a total of 1,528,684 live births was registered which is equivalent to a crude birth 
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rate (CBR) of 14.1 or 14 births per thousand population.  Requiring every parent to plant two (2) 
trees for every child born to them will result to mre than 3,000,000 trees planted annually. 
Furthermore, as the child grows, so does the tree. The connection between the child and their 
tree leads to increased environmental consciousness and care.  It will also develop the citizens' 
awareness and empower the them into realizing that a simple act can make a difference and that they 
can contribute in reaching the state's goals to protect the environment and its people. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MARK O. GO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO._______ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Hon. Mark O. Go  
__________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT REQUIRING FAMILIES TO PLANT TWO (2) TREES FOR EVERY CHILD 
BORN TO THEM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1.  Short Title.  –  This Act shall be known as the “Family Tree Planting Act”. 
SEC. 2.  Declaration of Policy.  –  It is the declared policy of the State to protect and advance 
the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and 
harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State shall promote and pursue reforestation programs and 
encourage tree planting as part of the family’s responsibility and legacy to protect the environment 
and conserve our natural resources for the future generation. 
SEC. 3.  Mandatory Tree Planting.  –  All parents residing in the Philippines, whether legally 
married or not, shall be required to plant two (2) trees for every child born to them. These trees shall 
be planted within the premises of their own home or in an area to be designated by the Barangay 
Council where they reside, with the approval of the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR). The planted species should be appropriate to the location, climate and 
topography of the area, with preference for the planting of indigenous species and high value crops. 
SEC. 4.  Provision of Seedlings. – The Community Environment and Natural Resources 
Office (CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the 
Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with local government units (LGUs) throughout the 
Philippines, shall maintain a seedling bank and will serve as ready source of seedlings to be provided 
to parent/s planting the tree under this Act. 
SEC. 5.  Tree Planting as a Requirement for Birth Certificate Release.  –  To ensure 
compliance with this Act, the City or Municipal Local Civil Registry where the birth of the child 
shall be registered, must only release the Certificate of Live Birth of the child upon the presentation 
of the parents’ sworn statement of compliance. The affidavit must be sworn to before the Punong 
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Barangay if the trees were planted within the premises of their barangay or before the DENR officer 
concerned if the trees were planted in a government-designated area outside the barangay where the 
family resides. Planting of the trees must be done within thirty (30) days after the child’s birth. 
SEC. 6.  Appropriations.  –  The DENR Secretary shall include in the Department’s program 
the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 7.  Implementing Rules and Regulations.  –  The DENR shall, in consultation with the 
DA, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD), promulgate the implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days 
from the approval of this Act. 
SEC. 8.  Separability Clause.  –  Should any portion or provision of this Act be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the other portions or provisions hereof will remain 
in full force and effect. 
SEC. 9.  Repealing Clause.  –  All laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of implementation, 
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed, 
modified, superseded or amended accordingly. 
SEC. 10. Effectivity.  –  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,