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BY

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
781

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House Bill No.

Introduced by Pangasinan Fifth District Representative
HON. RAMON V. GUICO III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Over the years, the municipality of Binalonan in the Province of Pangasinan has developed
into a progressive and inclusive community of self-reliant individuals.

In 1986, the town was awarded by the Malacaftang Palace as “The Most Beautiful and
Cleanest Town in the Philippines”. Since then it has garnered several citations, as “Most Beautiful
Plaza and Parks”; “Outstanding Community Development Model”; and “Urban Model
’”. These awards were meant to signify the commitment of the municipality to maintain
its policy and mission to keep the place as clean and environmental friendly.

True to this commitment, the town center features a four-and-a-half-hectare oasis of green.
In the midst of this greenery is a forest of century-old acacia trees. More than an attraction, these
majestic canopies are a living witness of the town’s glorious past. Indeed, the acacia trees are a
symbol of the indomitable spirit and resolute determination of the people of Binalonan to build a
stronger and brighter future.

There is no denying that the acacia trees are a cultural and natural heritage that continues to
bridge the past, the present, and the future. Enshrined in the 1987 Constitution is the duty of the
State to protect the country’s national patrimony, including its cultural heritage, its properties and
history, and the ethnicities of local community. As such, this Act shall provide for the protection,
conservation, and development of these majestic acacia trees.

For the above considerations, the immediate passage of this law is earnestly sought.

N

Rep. Rambn V. Guito II


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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4781
House Bill No.

Introduced by Pangasinan Fifth District Representative
HON. RAMON V. GUICO III

AN ACT
DECLARING THE ACACIA TREES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BINALONAN,
PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, AS LOCAL HERITAGE TREES AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR ITS PROTECTION, PRESERVATION, AND
CONSERVATION, AND OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION. 1. Declaration of Policy.- It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
protect, preserve, and conserve the country’s national patrimony, including its natural resources,
its cultural heritage, its properties and history, and ethnicities of local communities.

SEC. 2. Local Heritage Tree.- The Acacia trees located in the municipality of Binalonan,
Province of Pangasinan, declared as local heritage trees, shall be accorded priority by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Local Government Unit (LGU) of
Binalonan, and other concerned departments and units, shall be subject to the rules and
regulations governing the protection, preservation, and conservation of local heritage trees.

SEC. 3. Protection, Preservation, and Conservation Plan of the Municipality of
Binalonan.- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), other agencies
concerned, and Municipality Government of Binalonan, shall within one year after approval of
this Act, prepare the protection, preservation, and conservation plan of the Acacia trees.

SEC. 4. Coordination with National Agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs).-
The DENR, in coordination with the Municipality of Government of Binalonan, shall set forth


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and implement the necessary protection, preservation, and conservation plan of the acacia trees

upon the promulgation of this Act.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause-— All laws, decrees, executive orders or parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause.— If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the other parts not otherwise affected shall remain in full effect and force.

SEC. 7. Effectivity.— This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in at least two newspapers of general publication.

Approved,