TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
25 AUG-6 P 2 :18
SENATE
S. No. 1044
RKCCi'.iu;5-;.
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS A 
REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is endowed with rich natural resources, including vast forests 
that shelter different species of flora and fauna. For decades, they have been the 
sources of national pride, healthy life, and living of our people. However, these 
natural resources are continually being neglected and abused over the years. For 
one, our forests are continually degrading, causing various risks such as soil erosion, 
disruption of the water cycle, loss of biodiversity, flood and drought, and climate 
change. Among the major causes of deforestation in the country are urban 
construction, agriculture, use for fuel, commercial purposes, and illegal logging.
According to Global Forest Watch1, the Philippines had 13.2 Mha of natural 
forest In 2020, extending over 45% of its land area. However:
• 
in 2023, it lost 34.4 kha of natural forest, equivalent to 26.5 Mt of 
carbon dioxide emissions;
• 
from 2002 to 2023, the country lost 190 kha of humid primary forest, 
making up 13% of its total tree cover loss In the same time 
period. Total area of humid primary forest in Philippines decreased 
by 4.1% in this time period;
1 Philippines Deforestation Rates & Statistics I GFW


• 
from 2001 to 2023, the country lost 1.47 Mha of tree cover, equivalent 
to a 7.9% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 835 Mt of COze 
emissions;
• 
from 2001 to 2023, 20% of tree cover loss occurred in areas where 
the dominant drivers of loss resulted in deforestation; and
• 
From 2001 to 2023, Philippines lost 28.6 kha of tree cover from fires 
and 1.44 Mha from all other drivers of loss. The year with the most 
tree cover loss due to fires during this period was 2022 with 4.25 
kha lost to fires — 5.0% of all tree cover loss for that year.
Given the fast pace of the deforestation in the country, it is important to 
address this concern with whole-of-community approach wherein all members of the 
society will contribute to its solution. While planting of trees requires more time and 
resources if done in the forests, initiatives to plant trees in spaces even in the urban 
areas, however small, should be undertaken. Apart from its aesthetic value, planting 
trees within the areas of buildings and similar structures have several advantages 
such as provision of cooling and sharing during summer months, reduction of energy 
required for air conditioning systems, provision of shelter from winds and rain, 
absorption of noise and pollution, provision of oxygen and moisture provision of 
privacy and stabilization of land.2
The "Green Measures Act" seeks to mandate all applicants for building 
permits of residential, commercial, industrial, and public building development 
projects to submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in addition to other requirements 
imposed by the local government units. This will ensure that for every structure 
built, corresponding trees will be planted that will balance the ecology amidst the 
inevitable development and industrialization.
2 Trees around buildings - practical considerations - Forest Research
2


In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is highly 
recommended.
INGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
oi
25 AUG-6 P2:18
SENATE
S. No. 1044
RliCEIV D B'.;
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS A 
REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Green Measures Act".
2 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and advance the right
3 
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
4 
harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State shall promote the planting of trees
5 
to enhance environmental quality, mitigate the effects of climate change, and
6 
preserve the environment for present and future generations.
7 
Sec. 3. Tree Planting Plan as Requirement for Permits. - All applicants for
8 
building permits of residential, commercial, industrial and public building
9 
development projects are hereby mandated to submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in
10 
addition to other requirements imposed by local government units (LGUs).
11 
Any person, firm, corporation, department, office, bureau, agency or
12 
instrumentality of the government intending to construct, alter, repair or convert any
13 
building or structure, is required to set aside, and properly maintain in said property,
14 
areas adequate for planting and maintaining trees and flora.
15 
The TPP shall be a simple plan containing the following:
16 
a) Total area of the project;
17 
b) Indicative lay-out of the area/s to be planted;


1 
c) Number of trees to be planted, taking into account the ratio of at least one
2 
(1) tree for every five hundred (500) square meters for commercial or
3 
industrial projects or one (1) tree for every two hundred fifty (250) square
4 
meters for housing and development projects;
5 
d) Species to be planted; and
6 
e) Construction and design of said areas for trees and flora, which shall give
7 
emphasis to the fagade of the structure and all communal areas.
8 
Sec. 4. Preference for Indigenous Species. - The TPP required under Section
9 
3 hereof, shall give preference to indigenous species of trees, taking into account
10 
the location, climate and topography of the area. However, the use of non-
11 
vigorously growing endemic ornamental plants or trees and fruit bearing trees is
12 
recommended for residential lots.
13 
Sec. 5. Monitoring of the Impiementation of the Tree Planting Plan. - The
14 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the LGUs
15 
shall, within a reasonable period specified in the Implementing Rules and
16 
Regulations of this Act, monitor the implementation of the TPP in the projects.
17 
Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from
18 
the effectivity of this Act, the DENR, in coordination with the Department of the
19 
Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), shall
20 
issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of
21 
this Act.
22 
Sec. 7. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
23 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise
24 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
25 
Sec. 8. Repeating Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
26 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation
27 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
28 
modified, or amended accordingly.
29 
Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
30 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,