Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

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NINETEENTH CONGRESS, % BY: . é
First Regular Session < ¢
24 Lemos
HOUSE BILL No._@499

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE DANTE S. GARCIA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This measure seeks to require parents to plant two (2) trees for every child bom to them,
has already been approved by the House of Representatives on its 3" reading in the 17" and 18%
Congresses.

As greenhouse gas emissions blanket the earth, they trap the sun’s heat. This leads. to global
warming and climate change. Warmer temperatures over time are changing weather patterns and
Pose many risks to human beings and all other forms of life on earth. Changes in temperature
causes changes in rainfall, which result to more severe and frequent storms, flooding and
landslides. It is said that reforestation is one of the best solutions to fight climate change.

To develop people’s awareness on climate change and the reforestation crusade of the
State, it is imperative to encourage tree planting as part of the family’s concern and responsibility,
and make them partners in the solution for global warming.

In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

DA RCIA

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 24 33

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE DANTE S. GARCIA

AN ACT
REQUIRING PARENTS 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 fruit-bearing

trees,


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 that will serve as a ready source of seedlings to be
provided to parents planting the tree under this Act.

SEC. 5. Tree Planting as a Requirement for Birth Certificate Release. - To ensure
compliance with this Act, the 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 Barangay if the
trees were planted within the premises of the 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 Gazeue or ina newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,