Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth (20th) Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by Representative MA. VICTORIA CO-PILAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
A balanced and healthful ecology is a constitutional right of every Filipino. This right carries 
with it an equivalent obligation for each of us to ensure its continuity for the enjoyment of the next 
generation. In fact, the Supreme Court introduced the concept of intergenerational responsibility as 
early as the 1990s when it ruled in the landmark case of Oposa v. Factoran, recognizing the obligation of 
the children to ensure a balanced and healthful ecology for the future generation. 
Unfortunately, we are now experiencing climate change. The rising global temperatures is just 
one of its many adverse effects that impact ecological balance and ultimately humans. In the country 
alone, several places experienced heatwave as recorded by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical 
and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). A heat index of at least 50 degrees Celsius is 
considered as extreme heat level, while at least 45 degrees Celsius is classified as a danger level heat 
index. 
Children, especially students, are one of the vulnerable sectors mostly affected by heatwaves. 
They have to endure the scorching heat of sun while going to school, while inside the school premises, 
and until they go home. Public schools often remedied this situation by a short-term solution of 
suspending face-to-face classes and adopting an online mode of teaching. 
With this measure, we intend to involve the students to contribute in a long-term solution to 
cool down school temperature. Trees can effectively cool down the surrounding temperature through 
shading and transpiration. Thus, as preliminary requirement for graduation, whether in elementary, 
high school, or college, a graduating student must plant at least five trees within the public-school 
grounds, gardens or other available areas within the school premises; or in an idle or vacant public 
lands; or in public parks in urban and rural areas; or in an ancestral domain; or in other suitable lands. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
July 24, 2025
4:23 pm
2296


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth (20th) Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by Representative MA. VICTORIA CO-PILAR 
AN ACT 
MANDATING ALL GRADUATING ELEMENTARY, HIGH SCHOOL, AND COLLEGE 
STUDENTS TO PLANT TREES AS A PREREQUISITE FOR GRADUATION AND FOR OTHER 
RELATED PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title – This Act shall be known as the “Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act”. 
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Sec 2. Declaration of Policy – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and advance the right 
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of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
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The State shall promote collaboration with the citizens to combat the loss of our natural resources and 
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rejuvenate our environment by undertaking nationwide tree planting activities and providing effective 
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measures for their maintenance and sustainability. 
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Sec 3. Mandatory Tree Planting – A graduating elementary, high school, and college student from 
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public educational institution shall be required to plant at least five (5) trees as a mandatory 
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prerequisite for graduation. 
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Private educational institutions are highly encouraged to adopt a similar program. 
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Sec 4. Location – The tree planting under this Act shall be in any of the following locations: 
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a) Public school grounds, gardens or other available areas within the school premises;
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b) Idle or vacant public lands;
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c) Public parks in urban and rural areas;
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d) Ancestral domain; and
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e) Other suitable lands.
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Sec 5. Appropriation – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the 
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annual General Appropriations Act. 
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Sec 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations – Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the 
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Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education, in consultation with the Department 
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of Environment and Natural Resources and other relevant agencies, shall jointly promulgate the 
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necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 
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Sect 7. Separability Clause – If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or unconstitutional, the 
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remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
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Sec 8. Repealing Clause – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, 
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administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provision of this Act is 
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hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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Sec 9. Effectivity Clause – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
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Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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