Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2484

Introduced by Representative Roy M. Gonzales

EXPLANATORY NOTE

“The City shall provide municipal buildings, cultural centers, public parks
including freedom parks, playgrounds, and other sports facilities and equipment,
and other similar facilities.” (Republic Act No. 7160, Local Government Code of 1991,
§ 17(b)(2)(vii)). “The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall provide for the
establishment, maintenance, protection, and conservation of communal forests
and watersheds, tree parks, greenbelts, mangroves, and other similar forest
development projects.” (Republic Act No. 7160, Local Government Code of 1991, §
458(a)(5)(i)).

In 2018, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Santa Rosa, through Resolution
No. 0037, adopted the final report of the Conceptual Master Plan in reference to
the establishment of a People’s Park in the city. In conformity with the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), it expresses that “Barangay Aplaya is
included in the Shoreland Overlay Zone - Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries
Development Zone (SAFDZ), which, under Republic Act No. 8435, refers to the
“areas identified for production, agro-processing, and marketing activities to
help develop and modernize, with the support of government, the agriculture
and fisheries sectors in an environmentally sound manner.

In pursuance of LLDA Memorandum Circular 2020-06, it stated therein that
“Proposed developments initiated by any local governments for public use are
exempted from the suspension of issuance of shoreland development clearance.”

Barangay Aplaya in the City of Santa Rosa is strategically located along the
coast of Laguna Lake and has great potential for improvement. To develop the
property in Barangay Aplaya as a people’s park would stir important economic


activities around the area. The establishment of the People’s Park is embedded
with the following objectives for its efficient and effective management:
sustainable and responsible tourism, inclusive growth, and multiple-destination
marketing. With Santa Rosa consisting of several parks, all of which are privately
owned, it is a compelling and sufficient reason to authorize the establishment of
the People’s Park.

‘This bill seeks to create and establish a People’s Park in the City of Santa
Rosa to provide economic and commercial opportunities, which will thereafter
generate income and job opportunities to the benefit and welfare of every
Rosenian as a promise of diverse but inclusive progress.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this proposed measure
is earnestly sought.

ROYM. GONZALES
Represpntative
Lone District of Santa



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2484

Introduced by Representative Roy M. Gonzales

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A PEOPLE'S PARK IN THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA,
LAGUNA, TO BE KNOWN AS SANTA ROSA PEOPLE'S PARK, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to promote and value the role of parks and green spaces in urban planning and
environmental sustainability that is ecologically sustainable, responsible,
participative, culturally and economically viable, and equitably beneficial to local
communities.

SECTION 2. Establishment of Santa Rosa People’s Park. - There is hereby
established a People’s Park in Barangay Aplaya, City of Santa Rosa, with an area
of approximately 15 hectares to be known as the “Santa Rosa People’s Park.” The
strategic location of the park is ideally accessible and suitable within the
territorial jurisdiction of the city. It shall promote environmental conservation,
inclusive recreational space, local culture, economic development, climate
resilience, and urban and green space.

SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage. - This Act shall cover the boundaries of the 15
hectares of shoreland in Purok 2, Barangay Aplaya, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

‘The setting of technical boundaries of the People’s Park shall be undertaken by
the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and other relevant
government agencies.


SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms
shall mean:

(a) “Climate Resilience” refers to the ability of a system or community to
anticipate, absorb, and recover from the effects of climate change and its
impacts;

(b) "Disaster Risk Reduction” refers to a proactive approach to preventing new
and reducing existing disaster risks and managing residual risks through
actions like hazard analysis, vulnerability reduction, and preparedness;

(©) “Ecological Sustainability” refers to the responsible use and conservation of
natural resources to ensure the health and resilience of ecosystems for
present and future generations;

(a) "Parks and Green Spaces” refer to areas of land with natural vegetation,
open and accessible to the public, which provide recreational,
environmental, and health benefits, especially in urban settings;

(e) “People’s Park” refers to a public park designed for the use and enjoyment
of all members of a community, often symbolizing a commitment to public
well-being and social interaction;

() “Rainwater Harvesting” refers to the process of collecting and storing
rainwater for later use;

(g) “Recreational Space” refers to areas designated and used for leisure
activities and relaxation, offering opportunities for both physical and
mental refreshment;

(h) “Renewable Energy” refers to an energy derived from natural sources that
are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed such as solar,
wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass; and

(i) “Solid Waste Management” refers to the processes involved in handling,
treating, and disposing of solid materials discarded as waste;


SECTION 5. Objectives of the People’s Park. - The following are the key
objectives in the establishment of Santa Rosa People’s Park:

(a) To enhance urban livability and green space equity;

(b) To boost local tourism and economic development;

(©) To promote environmental protection and rehabilitation;

(d)To provide an inclusive recreational space for everyone;

(©) To strengthen climate resilience and disaster risk reduction; and
(8) To support local culture and community engagement;

SECTION 6. Components of Santa Rosa People’s Park. - The Santa Rosa
People’s Park shall include, but not be limited to, the following components:

(a) Benches and Playgrounds;
(b) Ecotourism ‘Trail;

(c) Environment and Agricultural Showcase Areas;
(d) Flood Control;

(e) Landmarks and Tourism Spots;

(f) Multi-Purpose Activity Area;

(g) Permeable Walking, Jogging, and Biking Trail;
(h) Picnic Areas;

(i) Port Terminal/Economic Activities;

(j) Sports Activity Area; and

(k) Trees, Grass, and Other Greenery.


‘The principles of environmental sustainability shall be exhibited through the use
of rainwater harvesting, renewable energy, and solid waste management, which
must be integrated in the People’s Park design and maintenance.

SECTION 7. Creation of an Inter-Agency Committee. - An inter-agency
committee is hereby created to administer, manage, and maintain the People’s
Park. The inter-agency committee shall be composed of the following members:

(a) Head of the City Engineering Office;

(b) Head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office;
(c) Head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office;
(d) Head of the City Planning and Development Office; and

(c) Head of the City Tourism Office;

SECTION 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the establishment,
operation, maintenance, and development of the People’s Park shall be provided
by the City of Santa Rosa.

‘The City of Santa Rosa is further authorized to solicit grants, donations, or other
forms of assistance from national government agencies, private institutions, and
international organizations for the purpose of additional funding of the park's
development and sustainability.

SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the City of Santa Rosa, in consultation with DENR
and other relevant government agencies, shall promulgate and issue the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall
remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, and rules
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.


SECTION 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,