Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

i 492

H. B. No.

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to require all residential subdivisions to set aside an area
exclusively devoted to trees and plants that have ecological and scenic value as a way
‘of harmonizing infrastructure development with the ecological improvement of the
environment.

Under this bill, Government will help provide seedlings needed to keep the
subdivision parks green.

The importance of this bill cannot be stressed in the wake of the recent tragedy
that befell many Filipinos during the heavy rains and floods that swept the country. This
bill is actually a companion bill on illegal logging, banning commercial logging for the
next twenty-five (25) years. Both bills are intended to restore ecological balance.

In view of the foregoing, the bill's passage is earnestly requested.

JUAN EDGARDO/“SONNY” M. ANGARA

Lone District, Province of Aurora


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

H.BLNo, 492

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

AN ACT
GRANTING INCENTIVESTO SUBDIVISION HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATIONS TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN FORESTED AREAS.
WITHIN THEIR SUBDIVISIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled.

SECTION 1. Tithe

- This Act shall be known as The Green Parks Act of 2010."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Art. 11, Section 16 of the Constitution provides that
The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology
in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature’. In line with this, the State hereby grants
incentives for the development and maintenance of forested areas within subdivision’ projects so

that a balanced and healthy environment will exist within the community.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - When used in this Act, the following terms shall, unless

the context otherwise indicate, have the following respective meanings:

(a) “Subdivision Project” refers to a tract or parcel of land registered under Act. No. 496
partitioned primarily for residential purposes into individual lots, With or without improvements
thereon, and offered to the public for sale, in cash or installment terms. It shall include all
residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, as well as open spaces and other

community and public areas in the project.

(b) “Association” refers to the association of homeowners within the subdivision,
organized primarily to promote the best interest and well-being, as well as safeguard the

welfare, of the residents and owners of property in the subdivision project.


(c) Green park" refers an area, designated on the subdivision plan of forested land,
developed and maintained by the Association, reserved for public use as an ecological refuge.
‘Such green park shall be devoted exclusively to the planting and growing of trees of any kind,

flowering or ornamental plants and shrubs, or plants of scenic, aesthetic and ecological values.

(¢) “Bureau’ refers to the Bureau of Forest Development.

SEC. 4, Area. - The area of one green park shall be at least be five percent (5%) of the

total gross area of the subdivision project

SEC. 5. Requirements, - In order to avail of the benefits granted under Section 7
hereof, the Association shall submit to the Bureau the plans for the development and

maintenance of the green park, which shall include:

(a) The subdivision plan as approved by the Director of Lands, as provided for under
the second paragraph of Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 957;

(b) An indication of the types of trees and plants planted and grown in the

green park; and
(©) Aplan for the maintenance of the green park, to ensure its ecological viability, as

well as evidence of actual application thereof for at least one (1) year.

SEC. 6. Issuance of Certification. - Upon the submission of all the requirements
mentioned in Section 5 hereof, the Bureau shall issue a certification to this effect. The Bureau
shall also have the power to determine whether the development and maintenance plans for the
green park meet the standards that the Bureau shall promulgate, to ensure that the green park
creates a balanced and healthful ecology within the community. No certification shall be issued
should the development and maintenance plans fail to meet such standards.

The certification shall be the basis, upon application by the Association with the proper

agency or authority, for the grant of the benefits under Section 7 hereof.


SEC. 7. Benefits. - Upon presentation of the certification, as provided for under the
‘second paragraph of Section 6 hereof, the Association shall be entitled to the following benefits:

(a) The Bureau of Plant Industry shall provide the Association with tree and plant
seedlings for planting in the green park for free; and

(b) The city or municipal government where the green park is located shall provide the
Association with tools and implements, for free to be used exclusively for the maintenance of

the green park.

SEC. 8. Prohibition. - In no case shall any artificial structure or improvement be
constructed within the boundaries of the green park, unless such artificial structures or
improvements are absolutely necessary for the development and maintenance of the Green

park, as well as the preservation of the ecological system contained therein.

SEC. 9. Cancellation of Certification. - If at any time, the Bureau determines, upon
application of any person, that the state and condition of the green park ceases'to serve its
Purpose, or that the standards of the Bureau are no longer met, the Bureau shall cancel its
certification. Such cancellation shall result to the withdrawal of all benefits already"granted or

availed of under Section 7 hereof and no benefits may be further availed of by the Association.

SEC. 10. Re-application. - If, within a reasonable time, as determined by the Bureau,
from the time of the cancellation of the certification, as provided for under Section 9 hereof, the
Bureau approves a re-application by the Association for the certification, as provided for under
Section 5 of this Act, the benefits granted under Section 7 hereof may be availed of pursuant to

the terms and conditions provided for under Section 6 and Section 9.

SEC 11, Repeahg Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of instruction,
proclamations, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act shall be modified, amended or

repealed accordingly.


SEC. 12. Separability Clause. - If for any cause, any part of provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder or any part or provision not affected thereby

shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 23. Eflectivfty. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,