Republic of the Philippines RE CEIVED”

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DATE 2
Quezon City + TIME G 2025
‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS \e” J
First Regular Session

Ley

Introduced by: Hon. Iris Marie D. Montes

‘AN ACT
REQUIRING BENEFICIARIES OF SOCIAL AMELIORATION PROGRAMS
THE GOVERNMENT TO PLANT TWO (2) TREES EACH AS A CIVIC
FOR ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE
“They who plant a tree plant hope."

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special
Report on Climate Change and Land declares that “planting trees will
always result in capturing more atmospheric carbon dioxide and thus in
annual mean cooling of the globe.”

According to the Climate Change Commission, plants and trees take
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and turn it into sugars through
Photosynthesis. It asserts that planting additional trees could remove
more carbon from the atmosphere and store it for a long time, as well as
improve soil quality at a relatively low cost.*

On this basis, this bill seeks to mandate beneficiaries of the
government's social amelioration programs, except those who are
physically handicapped, sick or with special needs, to plant two (2) trees
each in exchange for the assistance they received from the government.

This proposal is anchored in promoting a whole-of-nation approach
in protecting and preserving the environment and seeks to increase on
the current state of the environment and the role of trees in mitigating
climate impacts and disasters.

Moreover, this bill aims to bolster and sustain local greening

initiatives and mainstream the importance of planting the right species of
trees, especially in vulnerable areas across the country.

* https: //climate.gov.ph/news/303


In view thereof, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

qo
Kababaihan rid ra sa Kapakanan

‘at Kaunlaran ng Bayan (4K) Party-list



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Introduced by: Hon. Iris Marie D. Montes

AN ACT
REQUIRING BENEFICIARIES OF SOCIAL AMELIORATION PROGRAMS OF
THE GOVERNMENT 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 the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Balik Tulong
para sa Kalikasan 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 Filipino
citizens in public and civic affairs.

SEC. 3. Tree Planting as a Mandatory Requisite for Beneficiaries of
Social Amelioration Programs. - As an act of public service, beneficiaries
of Social Amelioration Programs of the government, except physically
handicapped, sick, and the elderly, shall plant two (2) trees each as a
prerequisite for availing the benefits for a particular program or
assistance.

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 the appropriate government agency.

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 Social Welfare and Development 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 Labor and Employment;

(e) Department of Science and Technology (DOST); and

(f) 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; and

(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 DSWD shall, in coordination with the
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,