Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL nol340

Introduced by Hon. Mark O. Go

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Climate change is now considered as one of the most fundamental challenges that humanity
needs to face. It affects more than just a change in the weather, it refers to seasonal changes over a
long period of time.

The climate patterns play a fundamental function in shaping natural ecosystems, and the
human economies and cultures that depend on them. Since various systems are attached to climate, a
change in climate may affect many related aspects of where and how people, animals, and plants
live, such as production of food, availability and use of water, and threats to health.

‘Thus, climate change is very alarming — it can also affect biodiversity, sea level, agriculture,
forestry, water resources, energy use and transportation.

In order to avert the worsening climate impacts and reduce the man-made greenhouse gas
emissions, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) initiated the National
Greening Program, a climate change mitigation strategy that aims to enhance the country’s forest
stock to absorb carbon dioxide, that is largely blamed for global warming. It is also intended to
reduce poverty, providing alternative livelihood activities for marginalized upland and lowland
households relating to seedling production, care and maintenance of newly-planted trees.

There are several impacts of climate change that could delay the realization of targets set
under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and thus, sustainable development. A key to
ensuring sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and achieving economic growth is through
the collective action of the citizens.

As a way of protecting our environment and helping the state in achieving its goals, this
‘measure requires parents to plant two (2) tress for every child born to them.

According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, an average of 4,659
babies are born daily or about 194 babies born per hour or approximately three babies born per
minute. In 2017, a total of 1,700,618 live births was registered which is equivalent to a crude birth


rate (CBR) of 16.2 or 16 births per thousand population. Requiring every parent to plant two (2)
trees for every child born to them will result to almost 4,000,000 trees planted annually.

Furthermore, as the child grows, so does the tree. The connection between the child and their
tree leads to increased environmental consciousness and care. It will also develop the citizens’
awareness and empower the them into realizing that a simple act can make a difference and that they
can contribute in reaching the state's goals to protect the environment and its people.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No." ” 1340

AN ACT REQUIRING FAMILIES TO PLANT TWO (2) TREES FOR EVERY CHILD
BORN TO THEM 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 “Family Tree Planting Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — \t 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 part of the family’s responsibility and legacy to protect the environment
and conserve our natural resources for the future generation.

SEC. 3. Mandatory Tree Planting. — All parents residing in the Philippines, whether legally
married or not, shall be required to plant two (2) trees for every child born to them. These trees shall
be planted within the premises of their own home or in an area to be designated by the Barangay
Council where they reside, with the approval of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR). The planted species should be appropriate to the location, climate and
topography of the area, with preference for the planting of indigenous species and high value crops.

SEC. 4. Provision of Seedlings. — The Community Environment and Natural Resources
Office (CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the
Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with local government units (LGUs) throughout the
Philippines, shall maintain a seedling bank and will serve as ready source of seedlings to be provided
to parent/s planting the tree under this Act.

SEC.5. Tree Planting as a Requirement for Birth Certificate Release. — To ensure
compliance with this Act, the City or Municipal Local Ci Registry where the birth of the child
shall be registered, must only release the Certificate of Live Birth of the child upon the presentation



of the parents’ swom statement of compliance. The affidavit must be sworn to before the Punong
Barangay if the trees were planted within the premises of their barangay or before the DENR officer
concerned if the trees were planted in a government-designated area outside the barangay where the
family resides. Planting of the trees must be done within thirty (30) days after the child’s birth.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. — The DENR Secretary shall include in the Department's program
the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DENR shall, in consultation with the
DA, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), promulgate the implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days
from the approval of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — Should any portion or provision of this Act be declared
unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the other portions or provisions hereof will remain
in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of implementation,
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed,
modified, superseded or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,