TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
1296
of tl'r au-fftarp
25 AUG 27 P4:10
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
AN ACT
MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS 
A REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING AND 
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The "Tree Planting Plan Act" is a proposed legislation aimed at fostering 
sustainable development and environmental protection in the Philippines. This bill 
seeks to ensure that economic growth and urban expansion are balanced by 
responsible ecological practices, particularly through tree planting. By requiring 
applicants for building or development permits to submit a tree planting plan, the 
government aims to mitigate the adverse effects of development on the environment 
and promote a healthier, greener Philippines for future generations.
By way of background, rapid urbanization and industrialization in the Philippines 
have led to deforestation, habitat loss, air and water pollution, and an overall 
deterioration of the natural environment. The decline in tree cover and green spaces 
has contributed to climate change, biodiversity loss, and decreased quality of life for 
citizens. Recognizing the urgent need to address these issues, the Tree Planting Plan 
Act is introduced to establish a legal framework for proactive environmental 
protection.
Under this bill, applicants for building or development permits must incorporate


a tree planting plan as an integral part of their project proposal. The proposed law 
sets specific tree planting ratios based on the type of development:
1. For commercial or industrial projects, a minimum of one (1) tree must 
be planted for every five hundred (500) square meters of developed 
land;
2. For housing and development projects, a minimum of one (1) tree must 
be planted for every two hundred fifty (250) square meters of developed 
land.
These ratios are designed to ensure that a significant amount of greenery is 
integrated into development projects, promoting biodiversity, enhancing air quality, 
and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
The bill mandates that the trees selected for planting in the tree planting plan 
should be native or endemic species, emphasizing the importance of preserving the 
country's unique biodiversity. Native trees are better adapted to local conditions, 
making them more resilient and supportive of local ecosystems.
The Tree Planting Plan Act represents a crucial step towards balancing 
development with environmental protection in the Philippines. By requiring the 
integration of tree planting into development projects, the bill promotes sustainable 
growth, preserves biodiversity, and safeguards the nation's natural heritage for future 
generations. This legislation embodies the government's commitment to creating a 
greener and more resilient Philippines, demonstrating its dedication to the well-being 
of both its citizens and the environment.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is sought
MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPIC^
Senator


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 129G
Senate
ot tm’ #>c(rclavp
25 AUG 27 P4:10
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
1 
AN ACT
2 
MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS
3 
A REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING AND
4 
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
5 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Tree Planting Plan
6 
Act."
7 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. -The State shall protect and advance the right of
8 
the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony
9 
of nature. Towards this end, the State shall promote the planting of trees to enhance
10 
environmental quality, mitigate the effects of climate change, and preserve the
11 
environment for present and future generations.
12
13 
SEC. 3. Tree Planting Plan. - All applicants for building permits of residential,
14 
commercial, industrial and public building development projects are hereby mandated
15 
to submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in addition to other requirements imposed by
16 
local government units and other existing laws.
17 
Any person, firm, corporation, department, office, bureau, agency or
18 
instrumentality of the government intending to construct, alter, repair or convert any
19 
building or structure, is required to set aside, and properly maintain in said property,
20 
areas adequate for planting and maintaining trees and flora.
1


2 
The TPP shall be a simple plan containing the following:
3 
(a) Total area of the project;
4 
(b) Indicative lay-out of the area/s to be planted;
5 
(c) Number of trees to be planted, considering the ratio of
6 
at least one (1) tree for every five hundred (500) square meters
7 
for commercial or industrial projects or one (1) tree for every two
8 
hundred fifty (250) square meters for housing and development
9 
projects;
10 
(d) Species to be planted; and
11 
(e) Construction and design of said areas for trees and
12 
flora, which shall give emphasis to the facade of the structure
13 
and all communal areas.
14
15 
SEC. 4. Factors Considered in TPP. -The TPP required under Section 3 hereof,
16 
shall give preference to indigenous species of trees, considering the location, climate
17 
and topography of the area. However, planting non-vigorously growing endemic
18 
ornamental plants or trees and fruit bearing bees is recommended for residential lots.
19 
SEC. 5. Impiementing Ruies. - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this
20 
Act, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in coordination
21 
with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of
22 
Agriculture and the Department of Public Works and Highways, shall issue the
23 
necessary implementing rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of this Act.
24 
SEC. 6. Separabiiity Cause. - Should any provision of this Act or the application
25 
thereof to any person or circumstance be held invalid, the other provisions or sections
26 
of this Act shall not be affected thereby.
27 
Sec. 7. Repea ang Cause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
28 
regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,
29 
amended or modified accordingly.


1 
Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following
2 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
3 
circulation.
4 
Approved,