NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No.
2228
Senate
of rljf > t i’tul'JlJ
23 MAY 23 A 9 57
RKEiVtD BV.
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL GRADUATING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE 
STUDENTS TO PLANT TWO (2) TREES EACH AS A CIVIC DUTY FOR 
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION, AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine Constitution, at its heart, recognizes the fundamental roles that 
both the youth and the environment play in the nation's present and future. It 
outlines the youth's crucial role in nation-building and their holistic development1, 
alongside the State's commitment to secure a balanced and healthful ecology in 
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature2.
To fulfill the said constitutional mandates, the bill seeks to require all 
graduating senior high school and college students to plant two (2) trees each as a 
civic duty for environment protection and preservation. This promotes a unique 
synergy between these two core constitutional mandates by involving the youth - 
our nation's future - in tangible efforts towards environmental conservation. With an 
estimated 2 million students graduating from senior high school and college 
annually, the Act could potentially add about 4 million trees to our forest cover each 
year, fostering an environment-conscious mindset in our young citizens, while 
significantly contributing to reforestation.
1 The Philippine Constitution (1987), Article II, Section 13.
2 The Philippine constitution (1987), Article II, Section 16.


Our forests, integral to the country's ecological balance, are experiencing a 
decline at an alarming rate, with the Forest Management Bureau reporting an annual 
loss of approximately 47,000 hectares. These forests shield us from natural 
disasters, ensure our water and food security, shelter diverse ecosystems, and 
preserve our rich indigenous traditions. It is, therefore, a matter of urgency that we 
restore our forest cover, not just for environmental integrity, but also for our survival 
and sustainability.
As we are now undergoing the UN Decade of Ecological Restoration, this 
legislation serves as a significant step in our battle against climate change and our 
pursuit of sustainable development. It nurtures in our youth a sense of 
responsibility, encouraging their active engagement in crucial environmental and 
sustainability initiatives.
This is a counterpart measure of HB No. 978 filed by Rep. Mark Go, the 
Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education in the House of 
Representatives.
In view of the foregoing, I recommend the approval of this bill.
i/0U\
CYNTHIA A. VILLAR Nsv


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No.
2228
; Ornate
' '0ft!CP
23 MAY 23 A9 57
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL GRADUATING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE 
STUDENTS TO PLANT TWO (2) TREES EACH AS A CIVIC DUTY FOR 
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION, AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
ARTICLE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
3 
Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Graduating Students
4 
for Reforestation Act of 2023".
5 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to protect
6 
and advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
7 
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State shall
8 
promote and pursue reforestation programs and encourage tree plantings a means
9 
of involving the youth in public and civic affairs.
10 
Sec. 3. Tree-planting as a Mandatory Requisite for Graduation - All
11 
graduating students from senior high school, and college shall be required to plant
12 
at least two (2) trees as a mandatory prerequisite for their graduation. The tree-
13 
planting activity shall be their first act of public service as they enter the country's
14 
labor force.


1 
Sec. 4. Location.- The trees to be planted under this Act shall be located in
2 
suitable lands and areas as determined by the Department of Environment and
3 
Natural Resources (DENR) and local government units, in coordination with schools,
4 
colleges and universities.
5 
Sec. 5. Preference for Indigenous Species. - The species of trees to be
6 
planted should be appropriate to the location, climate and topography of the area
7 
with preference for the planting of indigenous species.
8 
Sec. 6. Partner Agencies and Stakehoiders - The Department of Education
9 
(DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall implement the 
10 provisions of this Act, in partnership with the following agencies:
11
a. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
12
b. Department of Agriculture (DA);
13
c. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
14
d. Department of Science and Technology (DOST); and
15
e. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCP)
16 The responsible of these agencies shall include:
17
1. Establishment of nursery and preparation of seedlings;
18
2. Site identification and preparation;
19
3. Technical support and extension service; and
20
4. Monitoring and evaluation.
21 
Sec. 7. Provision of Seediings. - The Community Environment and Natural
22 
Resources Office (CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resource
23 
(DENR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with local
24 
government units (LGUs) throughout the Philippines, shall maintain a seedling bank


1 
and will serve as ready source of seedlings to be provided to senior high schools,
2 
colleges and universities for the implementation of this Act.
3 
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and CHED, in
4 
coordination with DENR and DILG, and in consultation with other agencies, shall
5 
promulgate and Issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) necessary to
6 
implement this Act within sixty (60) days after its approval.
7 
Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
8 
this Act shall be included in the budgets of the implementing departments/agencies
9 
in the annual General Appropriations Act.
10 
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be declared
11 
unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full
12 
force and effect
13 
Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
14 
proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions
15 
of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
16 
Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
17 
complete publication in at least two newspapers of general publication.
Approved,