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

First Regular Session

committee REPORT No? 4 3
era
os teh

‘Submitted by the Special Committee on Reforestation on

Re: House Bill No. 433

Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill Nos. 204 and 974

Sponsors: Representatives Victor J. Yu, Luis R. Villafuerte and Augusto L, Syjuco Jr,

Mr. Speaker:

The Special Committee on Reforestation to which were referred House Bill No. 204, inttoduced by
Rep. Luis R. Vitlafuerte, entitled

“AN ACT TO PROVIDE THE REVIVAL OF ARBOR DAY BY VESTING IN PROVINCIAL, CITY
AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS WITH THEIR COMPONENT BARANGAYS THE
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CELEBRATING THE DAY FOR TREE PLANTING AS AN ANNUAL
EVENT”.

and House Bill No. 971 introduced by Rep. Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco, entitled:

“AN ACT TO PROVIDE THE REVIVAL OF ARBOR DAY BY VESTING IN PROVINCIAL,
CITY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS WITH THEIR COMPONENT BARANGAYS THE
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CELEBRATING THE DAY FOR TREE PLANTING AS AN ANNUAL

“oe 4330

has considéred the same and recommends that the attached House Bili No.__, entitled:

“AN ACT REVIVING THE OBSERVANCE OF ARBOR DAY BY VESTING IN PROVINCIAL, CITY
AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS WITH THEIR COMPONENT BARANGAYS THE
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CELEBRATING THE DAY FOR TREE PLANTING AS AN ANNUAL
EVENT”

be approved in substitution of House Bii Nos. 204 and 971 with Reps. Luis R. Villafuerte, Augusto L.
Syjuco Jr, Victor J, Yu, Cesar V. Sarmiento, Mylene Garcia-Albano, Roger G. Mercado, Jeci Lapus,
Florencio C, Garay Maximo Dalog, Susan A. Yap, Edgar S. San Luis, Joel Roy R. Duavit, Mercedes
Alvarez, Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, Angelo B. Palmones, Jose S. Aquino fi and Jesus “Boying”
Celeste as authors thereof.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Reguiar Session .
HOUSE BILL No. 4330

(Substitute to H.B. Nos. 204 and 971)

Introduced by Representatives Luis R. Villafuerte, Augusto L. Syjuco 3r.,
Victor J. Yu, Cesar V. Sarmiento, Mylene Garcia-Aibano, Roger G. Mercado,
Jeci Lapus, Florencio C. Garay, Maximo Dalog, Susan A. Yap, Edgar S. San
Luis, Joel Roy R. Duavit, Mercedes Alvarez, Raymond Democrito C.
Mendoza, Angelo B. Palmones, Jose S. Aquino II and Jesus “Boying”
Celeste

AN ACT REVIVING THE OBSERVANCE OF ARBOR DAY BY VESTING IN

PROVINCIAL, CITY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS THE
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CELEBRATING THE DAY FOR TREE PLANTING
AS AN ANNUAL EVENT

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

SECTION 1. In order to maintain ecological balance and to encourage the
beautification of communities, all provinces, cities and municipalities with their
component barangays shall revive, by appropriate proclamation of their
respective local chief executives, an Arbor Day at an appropriate fixed date
each calendar year as deemed suitable by forestry experts based on the praper
time and season for planting trees in the locality, Aithough adoption of uniform
dates for each province and its component municipalities and cities shall be
encouraged, varying dates for Arbor Day celebrations may be permitted in order
to afford flexibility in planning and implementing tree-planting programs based
on the proper time of the year for planting tree species selected to be planted,
and as locat budgetary allotments shall allow.

Sec. 2. To implement the objectives of this Act, there shall be created in
each province, city and municipality, an Arbor Day Celebrations Committee, the
composition of which shall be set by the local chief executive concemed. The
members of the said committee shat consist of officers based in the locality,
representing, but nat limited to:

a. The local sanggunian;

b. The Department of Environment and National Resources Office;

¢. The Department of Environment and Nationa! Resources;

d. The Department of Education;

@. The Department of Interior and Local Government;


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$2
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24
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32

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36
37

3

f. The Department of Agriculture;

g. The Department of Agrarian Reform;

h. The Department of Public Works and Highways;

i. The Department of Tourism;

j. Commission on Higher Education;

k. The Philippine National Police;

1, The Armed Forces of the Philippines;

m. The Philippine Coconut Authority;

n. civic organizations;

©. youth organizations;

p. Liga ng mga barangay; and

q. Media associations.

Sec. 3. The local Arbor Day Celebrations Committee shall specify the area
within the local government unit to be planted or reforested. If the area to be
planted or reforested is a protected area or a protection forest, the Committee
shall encourage the use of endemic or indigenous species during the observance
of the Arbor Day designated by the local government unit.

Sec. 4 In order to ensure the active participation of students, out-of
school youth and public and private sector employees, the Arbor Day
designated each calendar year by every local government unit may be declared
as a public holiday through a proctamation by the focal chief executive.

Sec. 5. The local sanggunian shall promulgate the rules and regulations,
including the allocation of resources pertinent to the implementation of this Act
at their respective local government level. For information and monitoring
purposes, the respective local government units shalt submit to the Department
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), copy furnished the Department of
Environment and Natura! Resources (DENR), the official date of the specified
Arbor Day.

Sec. 6. The DILG, in coordination with the DENR, shall promulgate the
rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 7. This Act shalt take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,


Republic of the Plriltppines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

‘Qurgon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session A
au

HOUSE BILL NO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill reenacts House Bill No. 233 which was approved by the 14"
Congress of the House of Representatives on 11 June 2008 and was
transmitted to and received by the Senate on 17 June 2008.

The denudation and inordinate exploitation of our forests has been a
subject of serious concern of government, such that elementary and high
schoo! graduates are encouraged to plant a specified minimum number of
trees every year as a condition for graduation.

Nevertheless, tree planting has not been given the importance that
it deserves by way of setting aside a specific day every year to be
dedicated to tree planting and to celebrate Arbor Day.

This bill proposes the revival of Arbor Day in the Philippines not
necessarily as a national holiday for commemoration of the day, but seeks
to vest in the local government units the responsibility for celebrating
Arbor Day as an annual event.

The origin of Arbor Day dates back since the last century as a day
for tree planting when standing trees were deemed insufficient for
beautification and ecological purposes. In recent years, Arbor Day has
been made the occasion for emphasizing the importance of conservation
of forest resources. The date declared for Arbor Day has, however, been
made flexible from place to place to permit local authorities to select an
appropriate date, according to the proper time for planting and the
budgetary requirements shall allow for specific trees and other plants that
are sought to be planted according to the peculiar needs of a gt

locality.



‘Bepublic of the Petlipptnee
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

@uryon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THE REVIVAL OF ARBOR DAY BY VESTING IN
PROVINCIAL, CITY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS WITH
THEIR COMPONENT BARANGAYS THE RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR CELEBRATING THE DAY FOR TREE PLANTING AS AN
ANNUAL EVENT

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

SECTION 1. In order to emphasize the imperative necessity for
maintaining proper ecological batance, for ericouraging the beautification
of communities and creating more healthful environments, it is hereby
mandated that all provinces, cities and municipalities with their
component barangays shall be required to revive, by appropriate
proclamation of their respective local chief executives, an Arbor Day at an
appropriate fixed date every calendar year as shall be deemed suitable
according to the proper time and season for planting trees in the
respective provinces and their respective component municipalities or
cities concerned. Although adoption of uniform dates for every province

and its component municipalities and the cities shall be encouraged,

varying dates for Arbor Day celebrations may be permitted in order to



20

2

22

afford flexibility in planning and implementing tree-planting programs to
adjust to the proper time and period of the year most suited to the trees
selected to be planted, and as local budgetary allotments shaii allow.

Sec. 2. In implementing the intents of this Act, there shall be
created in every province, city and municipality an Arbor Day Celebrations
Committee, the composition of which shall be selected or designated by
the local chief executive concerned. The members of said committee shall
preferably consist of officers based in the locality, representing, but not
timited to:

a. The local sanggunian;

b. The local Environment and National Resources Office;
c. The Department of Environment and National Resources;
d. The Department of Education;

e. The Department of the Interior and Local Government;
f. The Department of Agriculture;

g. The Department of Agrarian Reform;

h. The Department of Public Works and Highways;

i. The Department of Tourism;

j. The Philippine National Police;

k, The Armed Forces of the Philippines;

1. The Philippine Coconut Authority;

m., Civic organizations;

n. Youth organizations;

9. Liga ng mga barangays; and



7

18

p. Media associations.

Sec. 3. In order to assure active participation of students, out-of-
school youths and employees of the government and private sectors, the
Arbor Day designated every calendar year by each and every local
government unit may be declared as a public holiday and such declaration
may be embodied in the appropriate proclamation that focal chief
executives are in this Act authorized to do.

Sec. 4. The local sanggunian shall promulgate the rules and
regulations, including the atlocation of resources pertinent to the
implementation of this Act at their respective focal government level. For
information and monitoring purposes, the respective local government
units shall submit to the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG), copy furnished the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), the official date of the specified Arbor Day.

Sec. 5. The DILG, in coordination with the DENR, shall promulgate

the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this

Act.

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect immediatety upon its approval.

Approved,



Repubiic of the Philippines.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session
cen 972

ill No.

House

Introduced by REP. AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines is well endowed of natural resources, both land and
rity ont because of human activities that abuse and neglect the beauty and
wealth of our nature, we now face the problem of imbalanced ecosystem. Such
problem is the denudation of our forests and destruction of our mountains which
can bs attributed to unregulated loggings and the practice of slash-and-bum
farming. This problem is contributory to the various calamities the county hae
been experiencing for the past years that brought destructive iandslides and
fiashfloods causing major devastation to lives and properties.

It is time that we care about our environment and the future of the nent
generation. This measure seeks fo revive Arbor Day by vesting in the local
government units with their component barangays the responsibilities of
celebrating Tree Pianting Day annually. This bill encourages the beautification of
the communities while promoting healthful and greener environment. The bill
further promotes the participation of students, out of school youth, goverment
employees and the private sector in protecting the environment,

With the foregoing, approval of this bill is eamestly requested.

a

a“
v
an om
AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO
2" Disitict, Province of Nloilo


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

House Bil No__ 274

Introduced by REP. AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO

_

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THE REVIVAL OF ARBOR DAY BY VESTING IN
PROVINCIAL, CITY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS WITH THEIR
COMPONENT BARANGAYS THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CELEBRATING
THE DAY FOR TREE PLANTING AS AN ANNUAL EVENT

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

SECTION 1. In order to emphasize the imperative necessity for maintaining
proper ecological balance, for encouraging the beautification of communities ana
eating more healthful environments, it is hereby mandated that all provinces,
les and municipaiities with their component barangays shall be required to
conve: By appropriate proclamation of their respective local chief executives, an
Arbor Day at an appropriate fixed date every calendar year af shall be doomed
Sultable according to the proper time and season for planting trees in’ the
respective provinces and their respective component municipalities or cities

of uniform dates for every province and its
the cities shall be encouraged, varying dates for
ittior Day celebrations may be permitted in order to afford flexibiity in planning
ant in implamenting iree-planting programs to adjust to the proper time and period
or ihe Year most suited to the trees selected fo be planted, and as focal budgetary
allotments shall allow.

SEC. 2. in implementing the intents of this Act, there shall be created in
Svery Province, city and municipality an Arbor Day Celebrations Committee. the
composition of which shall be selected or designated by the local chiet executive
concerned. The members of said committee shall preferably consist of officers
based in the locality, representing, but not limited to:

{a) The locat sanggunian; .

(8) The local Environment and Natural Resources Office:

{©) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources:

(9) The Department of Education;

{@} The Department of the Interior and Local Government;

(f) The Department of Agriculture;

(9) The Department of Agrarian Reform;


(h) The Depactrres ° of Public Works
{) The Departmers :.: Tourism:

@ The Philippine National Pokce:
(h) The Armed Forces of the Priippines;

0) The Phitppine Coconut Au‘nority:

0) Caw o-panizatie

(aie

)

five Perio: of te. outofschaol
AMEN aed tie Arbor Day
very seisndar scar by wach and every unit may be

designaied «
declared as a
Appropriate prociznis
dc,

May be embodied in the

“ Worday and such decta
are in this Act authorized to

focal chief exes

© the tulss and regulations,
5 isplemezisiion of this Act at
and monitoring pumposes,
i Department of the Interior
iment of Environment and
fled Arzor Day.

incivcing the of
the:

DENR, shai! promulgate the
v-stOnS of fis Aut,

SEC. 5
tales and reguiations to

SEC. 6. ‘ON HS aporEN ce



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
15" Congress
First Regular Session

MINUTES OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING HELD ON 29 SEPTEMBER 2010
AT THE MINORITY CONFERENCE ROOM, NORTHWING BASEMENT, HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, QUEZON CITY

MEMBERS PRESENT:

HON. VICTOR J, YU + Chairperson
HON, ROGER G. MERCADO - Vice-chairperson
HON. MAXIMO DALOG Member

HOW, FLORENCIO GARAY - Member

HON, JOEL ROY DUAVIT Member

HON. RAYMOND D.C. MENDOZA —- Member

HON. ANGELO PALMONES Member

HON. SUSAN YAP Member

HON. ANNA CRISTINA SIQUIAN GO - Member

HON. CARLOS PADILLA - Ex-Officio Member

GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Undersecretary Manuel

Gerochi
- Assistant Secretary Regidor

De Leon
Forest Management Bureau - Director Marlo Mendoza
River Basin Control Office-DENR + Director Vicente Tuddao
Special Concems Office-DENR - Director William Ragos
Society of Filipino Foresters - Forester Ricardo Umali
Philippine Wood Producers Association - Mr, doe! Lorenzo
Bantay Kalikasan - Mr. Valerio Mendoza
Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau + Dr. Antonio Mania
Tanggo! Kalikasan . - Atty. Arnie Rabe-Manuel
Philippine Forest Corp. - Forester Celso Diaz

Ecosystems Research Development Bureau + Rafael Cadiz


\. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 1:53 p.m. and presided over by the
Chairman of the Speciat Committee, the Honorable Victor J. Yu

(l, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

The Chairman acknowledged the presence of the following Committee
Members:

Vice-Chairman:
Hon. Roger G. Mercado

Members:

Hon, Maximo Dalog

Hon. Florencio Garay

Hon. Joel Roy Duavit

Hon, Raymond D.C. Mendoza
Hon. Angelo Palmones

Hon. Susan Yap

Hon. Anna Cristina Siquian Go
Hon. Carlos Padilia

I, OPENING REMARKS OF THE CHAIRMAN

In his preliminary statement the Chairman weicomed the members to the
organizational meeting of the Committee and enjoined them to work together
with the Special Committee to be able to restore Mother Earth and to
encourage reforestation.

IV. ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED COMMITTEE RULES OF PROCEDURE

The Chairman suggested the adoption of the Committee Rules of Procedure.
Hon. Palmones moved for the adoption of the Committes Rules of Procedure
which was duly seconded by Hon. Mercado. There being ne objection, the
Committee approved the Special Committee Rutes of Procedure.


V. PRESENTATION OF THE COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

The Chairman presented the Committee Organization by citing Section 28 of
the Rules of the House which provides that the Special Committee on
Reforestation has “jurisdiction over all the matters directy and principally
relating to policies and programs on reforestation, including the effects of
forest denudation and other actions to ensure the implementation of a
sustained community-based nationwide reforestation program.”

Having such jurisdiction, the Chairman envisioned the Special Committee to
be one working to raspond to the people's demand for sustainable
Management of watershed and forest resources. He said the Committee
intends to realize the vision by passing laws, serving as a venue for active
Consultation and by acting as a conduit for information dissemination on
matters relating to forest resources management.

Vi. APPROVAL FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF HB NOs. 204 AND 971

VIL

Hon. R. Mendoza moved for the consolidation of H.B. Nos. 204 and 971, both
relating to the Revival of Arbor Day and the approval of its substitute bill. The
Chairman agreed saying that the bill was deliberated upon extensively in the
14” Congress, was passed on third reading, approved by the House and
transmitted to the Senate in June 2008. Hon. Dalog seconded the motion.
Hon. C. Sarmiente of Catanduanes manifested that he wants to be a co-
author of the measure even if he is not a member of the Special Committee
approving the bill. Hon. Palmones moved that all members of the Special
Committee be made co-author of the consolidated Revival of Arbor Day Bill

BRIEFING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL
RESOURCES

Mr, Manuel Gerochi , DENR Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus and Project
Management, outlined in his presentation the vision, mission and direction of
the Forest Management Bureau, the state of the Philippine forests and status
of the FMB’s Reforestation and Uptand Development Programs.

Undersecretary Gerochi stated that the thrust of Philippine Forestry 1s 1) to
establish a permanent forest land limits as required by the Constitution: 2)


ensure stability and health of forest eco-systems; 3) manage forest lands and
Tesources for common good; 4) to ensure continuous flow of forest products
and services; 5) to conserve biological diversity; 6) to enhance role of forest in
soil conservation and water resource management; 7) to promote
Participation of local communities, indigenous people and other stakeholders;
and 8) to promote private investment and trade in the forest.

As to the state of the Philippine forests, Undersecretary Gerochi related that
classified lands comprise 30 milion hectares. Out of these classified lands,
there is 1.34 million nectares of national parks, .17 million hectares civil
reservations, A&D lands of 14.92 million hectares, timberland of 10.22 milion
hectares, military reservations of .13 million hectares, fishponds of .09 mifion
hectares and 76 million hectares of unclassified lands. He said mangroves
consist of 247.36 milion hectares, closed forests comprise 2.5 million
hectares, open forests are 4,030,588 million hectares and plantations, around
329,520 hectares. He added that the remaining forest cover is 7.2 miltion
hectares.

Based on the presentation, reforestation is focused on climate change
mitigation and adaptation, water supply security, biodiversity conservation
and sustainable supply of forest-based raw materials. Reforestation efforts in
the government sectors consist of Community Based Forest Management,
watershed retabilitation, DENR foreign-assisted and regular projects, urban
and roadside forestry program and other goverment agencies initiatives. In
the private sector, there are 145 Integrated Forest Management Agreements
(IFMAs), 1,803 Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreements
{SIFMAs), 17 Agro-forestry Farm Lease Agreements, 88 Trea Farm Lease
Agreements, 364 Forest Land Grazing Management Agreements (FLGMAS),
198 Speciai Land Use Permits (SLUPs} and 18 Special Land Use Lease
Agreements. The rest of reforestation efforts in the private sector are Forest
Land Agreement for Tourism Purposes (FLAGTS), Special Forest Land
Agreement, CBFM, Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title, PACBRMA,
arrangements with PNOC, NPC- and the NIA and co-management
agreements with LGUs. The total area under tenurial arrangement is 14
million hectares while untenured area is 4.1 million hectares.

Undersecretary Gerochi descnbed the Upland Development Program as the
government's response to the need for a continuing reforestation program. Its
framework consists of 1) sustainable forest management; 2) economic
resiliency plan; 3) comprehensive livelihood and emergency employment


program, 4) accelerated hunger mitigation program; and 5) climate change
mitigation and adaptation program. He added that it is not only a reforestation
but a poverty reduction program as well. He concluded by saying that the
program is being opened up for private initiatives inasmuch as the
goverment cannot afford to provide more funding than the 10-year average
of P200 million per year.

Vill, PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN REFORESTATION

Hon. Mercado commented that the DENR processing of private initiatives in
reforestation in his district is very slow. Undersecretary Gerochi promised to
look inte the matter.

Hon. Padilla inquired if the DENR can readily identify areas for pnvate sector
investment. Undersecretary Gerochi replied that the department is shifting
from the demand-driven to the portfolio approach by requiring its regional
offices to identify a minimum of 200 hectares per province for reforestation
investments by end of 2010 to be bidded out by early 2011. He said the
department will provide soil analysis and crop matching. Hon. Padilla asked
which agency will attend to prospective investors. Undersecretary Gerochi
Said the convergence center at the DA will take care of marketing under the
“One Province, One Product” principle.

‘When asked if the clonal nursery in Nueva Vizcaya is just on experimental
stage, Forester Celso Diaz of Philippine Forest Corp. replied in the affirmative
but added that the nursery can already produce seedings on a small scale
basis. Hon. Padilia queried whether the clonal seedings are of good quality
Mr. Rafael Cadiz reptied in the affirmative and added that the good quality
applies even to the second generation.

IX. COMMITTEE SUPPORT FOR H.R. No. 438

Hon, Dalog asked the Committee for support on H.R. No. 438 authored by
himself, Rep. Padilla and Rep. Baguilat which seeks to dedare 26
September, the date when Typhoon Ondoy struck the country in 2009, as
“Save Sierra Madre" Day to increase the people's awareness of the effects of
forest denudation. Hon. Siquian-Go objected saying that there is na proof
that the forest denudation in Sierra Madre aggravated the damage wrought by
Typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manita. Alty. Rabe-Manuel of Tanggol Kalikasan
explained that the resolution's premise refers to the southern part of Siera


Madre where forest denudation contributed to the flooding in Region Iv.
Inasmuch as it was already past 4:00 pm, Hon. Padilla agreed to postpone
the discussion of HR No. 438.

Hon. Siquian-Go inquired whether a budget for Sierra Madre reforestation has.
been included in the DENR budget. Undersecretary Gerochi promised to
fumish the congresswoman a copy of the budget for Region Il reforestation
Projects.

SEEDLINGS AND PLANTING MATERIALS

Hon. Mercado asked Undersecretary Gerochi how much was allocated by
the DENR for planting materials in 2011. The former expressed dismay when
the latter replied that they are allotting only P25 milion, FMB Director
Mendoza said that the P25 million is to be distributed to regions at the rate of
P350,000 per province. He said that under the Upland Development Program
the budget for seedlings is P95 million while that of planting materials is
around P3G0 million. He added that there is also P200 million allotment for
Planting materiais under the Agroforestry Program.

Hon. Paimones asked what species are being used for clonal propagation
and what are the problems being encountered in the process. Forester Diaz
replied that the OENR has cionat facilities in seven areas, namely, CAR,
Davao, Malaybalay, Nueva Vizcaya, Butuan, Region IV-A and Los Banos. He
Said they have compieted the protocol or guidelines for 12 or 13 species but
added that there is a need to improve the ctonal facilities.

Hon. Palmones asked how can they help DENR in terms of legislation.
Undersecretary Gerochi suggested that about P25 million be appropriated by
Congress per nursery. Hon. Paimones Promised to task his staff to draft a
resolution inquring how 15 percent of the revenues sourced from the VAT and
‘meant for reforestation activities by the LGUs are spent.

CARBON TRADING

Hon. Mercado asked DENR what carbon tadingis all about. Undersecretary
Gerochi replied that it refers to development of climate change mitigation
Projects, like reforestation, for which the proponent gets carbon emission
reduction credit which can be traded. When asked if there are guidelines
available for such endeavors, Undersecretary Gerochi replied that te DENR


has already endorsed the Reducing Emissions form Deforestation and Forest
Degradation (REDD) Plus Strategy for the Philippines. He said that a pilot
REDD Pius project is the reforestation project in Sierra Madre being
undertaken by the Conservation Intemational in collaboration with Toyota
Motors Corp.

PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVE IN REFORESTATION

Mr. Valerio Mendoza of Bantay Kalikasan shared his experience on the ABS-
CBN initiative in reforesting La Mesa Watershed which has a 92 percent
Survival rate for 84 indigenous species. He said reforestation is imperative
because the country’s top sail is dwindling and this, in tur, affects filtration
and water supply of the country,

According to Mr. Mendoza, reforestation has to be done in six stages to
ensure success: 1) Watershed Management Framework Planning; 2) Capacity
building:3) Watershed Management Planning: 4) Implementation of the
Watershed Management Ptan;5) Benefit-sharing; and 6) Monitoring and
Control. He said the ABS-CBN mobilized local people, collaborated with them
in watershed management, focused on the grassroots, buitt capacities for
watershed rehabilitation and sustainable management and established
management zones (30 percent for plantation, 30 percent for maintenance
and 40 percent for protection)

ADJOURNMENT

There being no other matters to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 4:23
pm.

' hereby certify to the correctness of the foregoing minutes.
ROMMEL M. REY]
Committee Secretary

Approved by:



HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON REFORESTATION
MEETING 14 December 2011

APPROVAL OF THE COMMITTEE REPORT ON REVIVAL OF ARBOR DAY

© The Chairman, Rep. Yu, moved for the approval of the committee report on the
substitute bill to HB Nos. 204 and 971 or the bills on “Revival of Arbor Day.
Rep. R. Mendoza of TUCP-Party List suggested that the coverage of the bill be
limited to endemic or indigenous species to prevent the onslaught of invasive
species.

* Rep. Amaiz inquired why exotic species was allowed by the DENR 10 be
introduced in the country. Forester Wilfrido Pollisco, former director of the
Protected Areas and Wildlife Burean (PAWB), explained that Gemelina and
Mahogany were introduced in reforesting denuded areas because they are fast-
growing, However, he said, they were not allowed to be planted in protected areas
based on the prohibition under the National Integrated Protected Areas System
(NIPAS) Law

* Rep. Yu pointed out that both government and commercial nurseries propagate
exotic species. Rep. R_ Mendoza suggested that for protected areas, only
indigenous species should be allowed to be planted Rep, Amaiz said the
suggestion will pose a problem inasmuch as the DENR is propagating exotic
species. Rep. Dalog suggested that the Arbor Day Committee specify the areas to
be planted only with endemic species.

* Rep. Garcia-Albano recalled former DENR Secretary Elisea Gozun saying that
the plants being pianted along the FDSA were inapproptiate. She suggested the
inclusion of a provision ensuring that only appropriate species be planted in each
area

* Mr. Ronaldo Liveta of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) suggested
that the CHED be represented in each Arbor Day Committee to be constituted

Rep. Pichay moved for the approval of the Committee Report on the substitute
bill to HB Nos. 204 and 971, subject to suggested amendments and style. Rep.
Amaiz seconded the motion. The body approved the Committee Report.

APPROVAL OF HB Nos. 2177 and 3225 “REQUIRING STUDENTS TO PLANT
TREES”

* Rep, Palmones of AGHAM-Party List suggested that the word “plant” be changed
to “grow” to hightight the need to ensure that the trees planted grow into maturity.
Rep. M. Rodriguez, one of the authors, disagreed saying that, from the students”
point of view, the act of planting is more important than the maintenance of the
trees planted.

+ Rep. Pichay asked who will provide’ the seedlings to be used by the students
Forester Jesus Javier of the Forest Management Bureau said the bureau can
provide technical assistance but does not have the budget for the planting
materials. Rep. Pichay said that in his district, the LGUs can provide the


seedlings. Rep. Amaiz said that in his province, St Paul's and Suliman
Universities use their own money for tree planting of their students

* Director Joey Pelaez of the Department of Education (DepEd) said that the DepEd
has already issued an order for public school students to plant trees. However, he
said, un NCR and HUCs, there is not much space for planting. He added that it is
also nsky to bring students to areas outside of Metro Manila. Forested Remedios
Evangelista said that the FMB is already drafting a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) between the DepEd and the DENR.

* Mr. Ronaldo Liveta of the CHED suggested that the requizement be incorporated
in the NSTP Law with a program for maintenance of the trees planted and
technical assistance from the DENR.

+ Rep. M. Rodriguez of ABANTE MINDANAO-Pany List suggested that a
‘Technical Working Group (TWG) be constituted to fine tune the bills,

+ Rep. Yu estimated the requirement for students to cost P600 million annually and
asked the FMB bow they intend to finance it. Forester Javier of the FMB replied
that the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) modality can be explored in the bill so
as not to burden the government

* DepEd Director Pelaez said that the 10 trees requirement per student is a tall order
and sugyested that the requirement be limited 10 graduating students, Rep. M.
Rodriguez said that the suggestion will defeat the purpose of instilling
environmental consciousness among students. Forester Joey Austria of the DENR
agreed with Director Pelaez saying that the bill's requirement will need vast tracts
of land which may not be readily available.

* Rep. R. Rodriguez asked the agency representatives to submit their wntten
position papers on the bills and moved for the creation of a'TWG to fine tune the
bills, Rep. R. Mendoza seconded the motion. The body approved the constitution
ofa TWG.

APPROVAL OF HB No. 1398 “REFORESTING 3,000 HAS. OF PUBLIC LANDS
IN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY.”

+ Rep. R Rodriguez enjoined the body to approve his local bill which had already
been approved in the 14“ Congress under Committce Report No. 2659 on 3
February 2010. He said it is aimed at averting another flashflood in the city of
Cagayan de Oro

° Rep. Palmones of AGHAM Party List moved for the approval of the bill. Rep. R
Mendoza of TUCP Pany List seconded the motion. The Special Committee
approved HB No, 1398

* The Chairman, Rep. Yu, thanked everyone for attending the meeting despite the
holiday rush and wished them aif a Merry Christmas


FACT SHEET
House Bill Nos. 204 and 971

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THE REVIVAL OF ARBOR DAY BY VESTING IN
PROVINCIAL, CITY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS WITH THEIR
COMPONENT BARANGAYS THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CELEBRATING THE
DAY FOR TREE PLANTING AS AN ANNUAL EVENT

Introduced by REPS. LUIS VILLAFUERTE AND AUGUSTO SYJUCO-

‘Committee Referral: Special Committee on Reforestation (Primary)
Committee Chairperson: Rep. Victor J. Yu

Committee Report was approved on 14 December 2010 subject to amendment and style
OBJECTIVES:

«To emphasize the necessity of maintaining ecological balance;

+ To encourage the beautification of communities;

+ To create healthier environments.
KEY PROVISIONS:

+ Mandates all LGUs to set, through a proclamation, a date for Arbor Day every
calendar year deemed suitable based on the proper time and season for
planting trees in each povince or city;

The dates for the celebration of Arbor Day may vary from one LGU to another
depending on the species to be planted and the appropriate period for
planting it in the iacality:

* Provides for the creation of an An Arbor Day Celebration Committee in every
province, city and municipality the composition of which shall be set by the
local chief executive;

+ Provides that the Arbor Day may be declared as a public holiday to assure
active participation of students, out-of-school youth and government
employees;

+ Empowers the local sanggunian to promulgate the rules and regulations at
the local level while the DILG, in coordination with the DENR, shail
promulgate the implementing rules and cegulations at the national level:

» Provides that the planting of endemic species shali be encouraged in
protected areas or protection forests.

RELATED LAWS:

* Proclamation No. 643, series of 2004 or *... Declaring 25 June as Philippine
Arbor Day”


What is Arbor Day and How did it Originate?

It is a day set aside by taw in most States (of the USA) for encouraging the
planting of shade and forest trees, shrubs, and vines about homes, along highways, and
about public grounds of the State, thus contributing to the wealth and comforts of the
American people

In some States, the law specifies the date on which Arbor Day will be observed,
while in others the date is specified by the Govemor or another official of the State

The observance of Arbor Day by schools, civic organizations, and clubs usually
includes programs designed to stress the importance of trees and their effect in
improving the appearance of school grounds, streets, parks, and highways and to
encourage the planting, protection, and preservation of the trees and shrubs and an
acquaintance with the best methods for the conservation and use of the natural
resources like trees and forests.

Arbor Day was first observed, as such, in Nebraska in 1872 The pian was
conceived and the name “Arbor Day’ proposed by J. Sterling Morton, then a member of
the State Board of Agriculture, and later United States Secretary of Agriculture and
Governor of the State of Nebraska. At a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture of
Nebraska, held at Lincoln, January 4, 1872, he introduced a resolution to the effect that
Wednesday, the 10” day of April 1872, be especially set apart and consecrated to tree
planting in the State of Nebraska and named Arbor Day. The resolution was adopted.
Wide publicity was given to the pian, and more than a million trees were planted on the
first Arbor Day

The celebration and the significant, initial success of Arbor Day encouraged the
passage of other tree planting acts by the US Congress that further stimulated tree
pianting that established extensive windbreaks and shelterbeits, An example is the
18,510 miles (about 30,000 kilometers/17.5 times the length of the Philippines) of tree
belts planted in the Great Plains from North Dakota to Texas that owe their success to
some government policies, such as tax-exemption laws that favored tree planting.

Governor Morton told the American Forestry Congress in 1885 that Nebraska
had more than 700,000 acres (close to 285,000 hectares/4.5 times the entire size of
Philippine NCR) of planted trees.

The available record through January 1, 1948 (this is more than 60 years back
from to date, 2010) indicate that some 123,190 miles (about 198,000 kilometers) of
windbreaks and shelterbeits have been planted since the middie of the past century of
which 96,596 miles {more than 155,000 kilometers) through private initiative,

Parenthetically, the then celebration of Arbor Day in the Philippines was an
American inheritance, the country having been once a colony of the USA.

Source: Trees. The Yearbook of Agriculture. USDA. (1949}. Washington, D.C. pp. 36.192, 704

* Man seldom plant trees til! they begin to be wise, that is tll they grow old, and tind, by experience,
the prudence and necessity of i”. John Evelyn, 17" Century English patriot and philosopher