Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
HBNo.__ 4992

Introduced by Hon. Christopher S. Co, Hon, Rodel M. Batocabe,
and Hon. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This bill seeks to mandate barangays to proclaim a tree-planting day that coincides with
any of the two barangay assembly meetings in a year.

‘The Local Government Code of the Philippines mandates that barangay assembly
meetings be conducted at least twice a year to discuss about the barangays activities, finances,
and problems. This bill takes advantage of the opportunity of the congregation of residents of
the barangay to take part in the planting of trees and ornamental plants, and other related
activities. The simultaneous conduct of the barangay assembly meetings and the tree-planting
day aims to maximize the participation of citizens and increase national awareness of the
environment at the barangay and grassroots level.

Deforestation has caused flash floods and soil erosion which has led to significant
damages to property and loss of human lives. The Constitution mandates 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.” Environmentalists have been calling the attention of the
government to protect and preserve the environment in order to effectively replenish tree and
plant resources, and curve uncontrolled effects of landslides, erosion, floods.

‘The cooperation between State and citizenry shall bolster other efforts of the government
in protecting and preserving the environment. In view thereof, passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.
Y
Hon. Ghtistopher S.Co Hon. M/Batocabe Hon. Alfredo



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

HBNo. 4592

Introduced by Hon. Christopher S. Co, Hon. Rodel M. Batocabe,
and Hon. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr.

AN ACT MANDATING BARANGAYS TO DECLARE A TREE PLANTING DAY
DURING THE BARANGAY ASSEMBLY MEETING, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SRC. 1 Establishment ~ This Act shall be known as the “Tree-Planting Act of 2011”

SEC. 2. Proclamation of Arbor Day ~ All barangays shall be required to declare an
Asbor Day or Tree-Planting Day by appropriate proclamation of the punong barangay
through an ordinance passed by the respective sangguniang barangay, at a date coinciding
with any of the two barangay assembly meetings as shall be deemed conducive to the
proper time and season for planting trees in the respective barangays.

SEC. 3. Supply and Distribution of Seedlings - The Bureau of Plant Industry shall
supply and distribute the seedlings of the barangays for the Tree-Planting program.

SEC 4. Planting of Trees - The tree planting activities shall be done in any of the
following areas:
1. Private lands;
2, public school grounds, gardens, or other available areas within the school
premises;
3. Idle or vacant public lands;
|, Public parks in urban and rural areas;
5. Public lands such as roadside, along city and municipal streets and
highways; and
6. Private schools, parks and lands with the consent of the owner thereof.

-

SEC 5. Maintenance of Trees. The barangay officials and deputized non-governmental
organizations shall be responsible for the maintenance of such trees.


SEC. 6. Information and Monitoring. all barangays shall submit to the Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG), the official date of the Tree-Planting Celebration.

SEC. 7. Funding. For the initial implementation of this Act, there is hereby authorized to
be created a fund to be derived from the budget of the DILG not otherwise appropriated.
‘Thereafter, said funds shall be included in the annual budget of this department.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules. The DILG, in coordination with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), shall promulgate the rules and regulations to
effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act ot any part theteot be declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue in
full force and effect.

SEC. 10, Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, proclamations, executive
orders, or regulations and other issuances inconsistent with the provisions and/or purposes

of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly,

SEC. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the official gazette or in at lease two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,