™

Ki BEESON
RECEIVED”
pare 09 WL 0B

se

TIME 33 be
é
SG

oF

= eN

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

(&

Wo Inver

HOUSE BILL NO. 1649

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CHEENO MIGUEL D. ALMARIO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA), the Philippines get up to 4,064 millimeters of rain annually.
This much rain, worsened by deforestation, is expected to cause massive floods and
landslides in different areas of the country. Apart from flood control projects of the
government, it is also important that more trees be planted to help mitigate the impacts
of heavy rainfall.

Less than a year ago, Super Typhoon Carina struck the Philippines and claimed the
lives of at least 34 Filipinos.' Heavy rains were also experienced in several parts of
Mindanao and Luzon causing floods by early January 2025.

This bill seeks to teach the young generations how to take care of the environment
and instill patriotism. By making them do something which the next generation will be
the main benefactors, today’s young people will feel that they are a part of something
bigger than themselves. The trees they planted will serve as a constant reminder that they
shall always take care of the environment. No financial burden shall be passed onto the
students as the seedlings to be planted shall be provided by the government.

Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

CHEENO ). ALMARIO
Representative
2m District, Davao Oriental

* https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/26/habagat-carina-death-toll-hits-34-pnp-1617


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS:

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 1649

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CHEENO MIGUEL D. ALMARIO

AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL GRADUATING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS TO
PLANT TWO (2) TREES EACH AS A CIVIC DUTY FOR ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
AND PRESERVATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Graduation Legacy for
Reforestation 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 a means of involving the youth in
public and civic affairs.

SEC. 3. Tree Planting as a Mandatory Requisite for Graduation. - As an act of
public service before they join the country’s labor force, all graduating students in senior
high school and college, except physically handicapped and students with special needs,
shall plant two (2) trees each as a prerequisite for graduation

SEC. 4. Tree Planting Sites - The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) and the concerned local government units (LGUs) shall determine the
appropriate tree planting sites within the LGU territories, in coordination with schools,
colleges and universities.

SEC. 5. Preference for Indigenous Species. - The species of trees to be planted
should be appropriate to the location, climate and topography of the area, with
preference for the planting of indigenous species.


SEC. 6. Partner Agencies and Stakeholders and their responsibilities. - The
Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education CHED) shall
implement the provisions of this Act, in partnership with the following agencies:

(a) DENR;

(b) Department of Agriculture (DA);

(c) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);
(d) Department of Science and Technology (DOST); and

(e) National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

The responsibilities of these agencies shall include:

(1) Establishment of nursery and seedling preparation;

(2) Site identification and preparation;

(3) Technical support and extension services;

(4) Monitoring and evaluation.

SEC. 7. Provision of Seedlings. - The Community Environment and Natural
Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR and the DA, in partnership with LGUs throughout
the Philippines shall maintain a seedling bank that will serve as a ready source of
seedlings to be used in the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations - Within sixty (60) days after the
effectivity of this Act, the DepEd, and CHED shall, in coordination with DENR and DILG,
and in consultation with other agencies, promulgate and issue the necessary rules and
regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of
this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the departments
and agencies concerned. Thereafter, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

The LGU concerned may set aside funds from any local revenue an amount
deemed appropriate for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - Should any portion or provision of this Act be
declared unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,