Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill Number ______________ 
Introduced by REP. JANE T. CASTRO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Trees are an important component for life on earth.  They provide oxygen, regulate earth’s 
climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, provide food, and they are home to 
many species of animals. 
The loss of our trees due to deforestation, and urbanization threaten humanity’s survival. 
With the world’s decreasing forest cover, our remaining trees could not cope with our increasing 
carbon dioxide emissions, thus triggering climate change that result in extreme weather conditions 
like heat waves, and heavy rains. 
The Philippines once had 17.8 million hectares of forests in 1934.  By 2022, we only have 
an estimated 7.22 million hectares of forests left.  This threatens our biodiversity, and our ability 
to fight climate change. 
This bill aims to improve our forest cover by requiring graduating college and senior high 
school students to plant two trees as a mandatory prerequisite before they graduate.  We are hoping 
to reverse decades of deforestation to ensure that the next generation of Filipinos could enjoy a 
greener future. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
JANE T. CASTRO 
July 3, 2025
12:58 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill Number ______________ 
Introduced by REP. JANE T. CASTRO 
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: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Graduation Legacy for 
Reforestation Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the declared policy of the State to protect and advance 
the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and 
harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State shall promote and pursue reforestation programs 
and encourage tree planting as a means of involving the youth in public and civic affairs. 
SEC. 3. Tree Planting as a Mandatory Requisite for Graduation. – As an act of public 
service before they join the country’s labor force, all graduating students in senior high school and 
college, except physically handicapped and students with special needs, shall plant two (2) trees 
each as a prerequisite for graduation. 
SEC. 4. Tree Planting Sites. – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR) and the concerned local government units (LGUs) shall determine the appropriate tree 
planting sites within the LGU territories, in coordination with schools, colleges and universities. 
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SEC. 5. Preference for Indigenous Species. – The species of trees to be planted should be 
appropriate to the location, climate and topography of the area, with preference for the planting of 
indigenous species. 
 
SEC. 6. Partner Agencies and Stakeholders and Their Responsibilities. – The Department 
of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall implement the 
provisions of this Act, in partnership with the following agencies: 
 
(a) DENR; 
(b) Department of Agriculture (DA); 
(c) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); 
(e) Department of Science and Technology (DOST); and 
(f) National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). 
 
The responsibilities of these agencies shall include: 
 
(1) Establishment of nursery and seedling preparation; 
(2) Site identification and preparation; 
(3) Technical support and extension services; and 
(4) Monitoring and evaluation. 
 
SEC. 7. Provision of Seedlings. – The Community Environment and Natural Resources 
Office (CENRO) of the DENR and the DA, in partnership with LGUs throughout the Philippines, 
shall maintain a seedling bank that will serve as a ready source of seedlings to be used in the 
implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity 
of this Act, the DepEd and CHED shall, in coordination with the DENR and DILG, and in 
consultation with other agencies, promulgate and issue the necessary rules and regulations to 
implement this Act. 
 
SEC. 9. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act 
shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the departments and agencies 
concerned. Thereafter, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act. 
 
The LGU concerned may set aside funds from any local revenue an amount deemed 
appropriate for the implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. – Should any portion or provision of this Act be declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
 


SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive 9 orders, 
proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 12. Effectivity. –This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,