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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Wo inpex

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 4813

Introduced by Representative Joseph Gilbert F. Violago

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This commendable bill had been filed in the past Congress and the present
proponent is acknowledging the wisdom and hard work of his predecessors.

Philippines is one of the countries affected by climate change which should be
addressed because of its impact like changing weather conditions, public health risks, threat
to food security and biodiversity.

Planting trees is one solution to combat climate change because of the invaluable
contribution of trees to the environment and all living things on this planet. Trees help in
removing carbon dioxide from the air, it stores carbon in trees and soil and releases oxygen
in the atmosphere. It also helps prevent soil erosion which is vital in preventing floods.
Other benefits from tree planting are it encourages wildlife, and helps replace old trees.

This bill seeks to require parents to plant two trees for every child born to them.
While it is the duty of the State to protect the people, the people have the responsibility to
help the State in solving its problems which includes climate change, Requiring parents to
plant trees will be their contribution to the State wherein they themselves and their children
will also benefit from it,

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

JOSEPH Ki F. VIOLAGO

DATE September 14, 2022

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

|ETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. __ 4813

juced by Repr Joseph Gilbert F. Violago

AN ACT REQUIRING PARENTS TO PLANT TWO (2) TREES FOR EVERY CHILD
BORN TO THEM

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 “Family Tree Planting Act”.

SECTION 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 generations.

SECTION 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 high value
crops.

SECTION 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 and serve as a ready source of seedlings to be
provided to parent/s planting the trees under this Act.



SECTION 5. Tree Planting as a Requirement for Birth Certificate Release. — To ensure
compliance with this Act, the City or Municipal 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 their 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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 not affected shall
remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, letters of
instruction, rules or regulations inconsistent with any provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,
modified, or superseded or amended accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,