Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES || 6 DATE. 252070
‘Quezon City =

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. wD)

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘At present, our country is experiencing numerous environmental issues such as air and water
pollution, illegal and destructive mining and logging, the deforestation of our forests, global
warming and climate change, among others. The Philippines, being located at the Pacific Ring of
Fire, is very much vulnerable to the worsening disasters brought about of climate change. Our
food security is severely affected by the yearly El nifio season and the numerous tropical cyclones
which strike the country every year—both of which are seemingly getting more destructive as the
planet gets warmer.

Considering the detrimental effects of the various environmental problems that we have, it is
imperative that every Filipino take part in the efforts towards the immediate recovery of our
environment. This proposed measure seeks to instill environmental consciousness among the
youth through the intensification of the integration of environmental education in the curriculum
that schools implement. This will also introduce greening activities to students to further promote
‘awareness and social responsibility to the Filipino youth.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

; YRA S. TAMBUNTIN
\d District, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, _7766

=
Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

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AN ACT
PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS THROUGH EDUCATION AND CIVIC
ENGAGEMENT IN ORDER TO INCREASE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AMONG THE
YOUTH, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Ac shall be known as the “Environmental Responsibility Act”.

SECTION 2. Statement of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to adopt sustainable measures
that will protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology. It also
recognizes the vital role of Filipino youth in this endeavor as towards of nature for future
generations. Thus, educational institutions are mandated to intensify and ensure the integration
of environmental education in the curriculum they implement. Awareness, coupled with actual
engagement in greening activities, is the most effective means to shape and ingrain in young
minds a stronger sense of social responsibility and proactiveness.

SECTION 3. Integration of Environmental Education in the Curriculum of All Students
From Elementary to College Level. - Environmental studies shall form part of the regular
‘Science curriculum for students from elementary to high school level while it shall be incorporated
in the National Service Training Program (NSTP) of students in college level.

SECTION 4. Establishment of a Tree-seeding Nursery. — All schools and colleges shall
establish a seeding nursery hereinafter referred as “Punlaan”. It will be a place where tree
seedlings of native species shall be grown until such time it becomes ready for permanent
planting.

SECTION 5. Planting of Seedlings by Grades 1-11 and College Students. - Each student
from grade levels 1-11 and college students that are taking up National Service Training Program
(NSTP) shall be required to plant and ensure the growth of at least two (2) tree-seedlings per
year in the established seedling nursery of their school or college.


SECTION 6. Tree-planting as a Mandatory Requirement for Graduation. — All graduating
students from elementary, high school and college shall be required to plant at least ten (10)
trees as a mandatory requirement for their graduation. For this activity, they shall utilize tree-
seedlings from the “Punlaan” which are ready for permanent planting. In case the number of
tree-seedling available at the time of planting is insufficient, the school or college may source it
from other government seedling banks.

AAs far as practicable, the time of tree planting shall coincide with the designated Arbor Day of the
particular province, city, or municipality that has jurisdiction over the school or college, as
mandated by Republic Act No. 10176, otherwise known as the “Arbor Day Act of 2012.”

SECTION 7. Preference for Native Species. The species to be planted should be compatible
with the location, climate and topography of the area with preference for native species.

SECTION 8. Location. — Subject to the recommendation of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), the trees to be planted under this Act shall be located in any of the
following areas:

. Forestlands

. Mangrove and protected areas

Ancestral domains

|. Civil and military reservation

Urban areas under the greening plan of the LGUs
Inactive and abandoned mine sites; and

g. Other suitable land

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SECTION 9. Management and Supervision of Tree-seedling Nursery. ~ “Punlaan” shall
be under the overall management and supervision of the particular school or college.

SECTION 10. Harmonization with Other Greening Efforts. — The provisions of this Act shall
be consistent with the existing greening efforts of the government, private sector, and civil society
organizations in the country. Schools and colleges may work jointly and/or enter into a partnership
agreement with said agencies and organizations with the end to attain the objectives of this Act.

SECTION 11. Inter-agency Greening Committee. — A greening committee is hereby created
consisting of an inter-agency body composed of the following

a. Secretaries of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) as Co-Chairpersons;

b. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as Vice-
Chairperson;

¢. Secretary of the Department of Budget and management (DBM) or its duly authorized
representative as Member;

d. Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) or its duly
authorized representative as Member;

. Secretary of the Department of Science and technology (DOST) or its duly authorized
representative as Member;

f. Secretary of the Department of Health or its duly authorized representative as Member;


g. Secretary of Department of Transportation (DOTr) or its duly authorized representative
as Member;

h. Secretary of Department of Agriculture (DA) or its duly authorized representative as
Member.

The responsibilities of these agencies shall include the following:

Nursery establishment;
. Seedling production and site preparation;

Site identification;

. Monitoring and evaluation;

.. Provision of security, transportation, fire protection amenities and medical support;
Technical support and extension services;

Other duties and responsibilities appurtenant to the proper implementation of this Act.

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SECTION 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DepEd, CHED, DENR, DBM,
DILG, DOST, DOH, DOTR, and DA shall formulate and promulgate the implementing rules and
regulations (IRR) necessary to implement this Act within sixty (60) days after approval.

SECTION 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 14, Separability Clause. — In case any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, such declaration shall have no effect in the validity or Constitutionality of the
remaining provisions hereof,

SECTION 15. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent with
the provision of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a news paper of general circulation.

Approved,