Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILLNo,__ 3690

Introduced by HON. ANA CRISTINA S. GO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The: following is consonant with the constitutionally enshrined policy of the
State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

With the massive destruction brought about by typhoons “Ondoy”, “Pepeng”
and others the last couple of years, it is not only timely but of utmost urgency that we
start a program to plant idle public agricultural and forest lands with trees. The roots
of these trees will absorb rainwater come the rainy season and will surely reduce the
damage brought about by floods. Cascading rainwater that come rushing through
denuded mountains and other areas of idle public agricultural and forest lands do not
only result to loss of property but of precious lives as well.

It is public knowledge that most of our public agricultural and forest lands are
sitting idly by without any product derived therefrom. When trees are cleared, rainfall
runs off the soil more quickly and contributes to floods and further erosion. This tree
planting program will reduce the effect of heavy rains and prevent erosion by
anchoring the soil with their roots. Thus, calamities brought about by massive
flooding may be avoided.

Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Hrrh LN

ANA CRISTINA S. GO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo.__ 3690

Introduced by HON. ANA CRISTINA S. GO

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PLANTING OF TREES ON IDLE PUBLIC
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST LANDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

SECTION 1. All local agricultural and environmental offices shall
identify idle public agricultural and forest lands which are seriously degraded
or threatened in their respective jurisdictions.

SEC. 2. All idle public agricultural with no immediate utilization plans
and barren forest lands shall be planted with trees by local government units.

SEC. 3. A Program Director shall be appointed to oversee and manage
the tree planting efforts, funding allocation, technology transfers, or capacity
building assistance to local government units in furtherance of this tree
planting program.

SEC. 4. At the election of the local government units, or on the
determination of the Program Director, the local government units may enter
into an agreement with a private, non-governmental organization, authorizing
the organization to act on behalf of or assist the local government unit

concerned in this tree planting program.


SEC. 5, The Department of Agriculture and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources shall develop and put into operation a
plan for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this tree planting
program.

SEC. 6. There shall be provisions for seedings and fertilizers and the
equipment and personnel required for the implementation of this program.

SEC. 7. The appropriation necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be included in the budget of the implementing agencies the year

following its enactment into law.

Approved,