Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4430

Introduced by Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is reported that two hundred (200) Filipinos are born every hour. This translates to
roughly 1.75 million Filipinos being born yearly. On the other hand, it is estimated that three (3)

billion to six (6) billion trees per year are felled. This translates to 1.62 trees per person per year

Considering the exponential increase in the Philippine population and thé continuous
cutting of trees to supply the demand of the economy, there will come a time that the person to.
tree ratio will be reduced to nil. To arrest this alarming situation, this measure aims to protect our
patrimony and to ensure that the future generation will still have a beautiful green Philippines to

live in

In view thereof, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought

HARLIN NE{L J. ABAYON IIL
Representative
AANGAT TAYO Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4430

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon III

AN ACT
REQUIRING THAT A TREE BE PLANTED FOR EVERY CHILD BORN IN
‘THEPHILIPPINES, PROVIDING A FRAMEWORK FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION,
LAND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

SECTION I. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “A Tree For Every Child Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes its policy to protect and advance the
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature,

SECTION 3. A Tree For Every Child. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a child is hereby
mandated to plant a tree for their every child born in the Philippines.

SECTION 4. Local Government Units, Cities. — All Local Government Units (LGU) where tree
planting activities are conducted shall issue a certification that such tree is planted in behalf of
the child. The Certification, shall be, for all intents and purposes, the primary evidence that there
is a tree planted in his/her behalf.

SECTION 5. Requirement in School Admission. In addition to the prescribed minimum
standards for admission by the respective schools, the Certification, as provided in Section 4,
shall be required prior to the admission of the concerned child.

SECTION 6. Penalty. ~ The penalty of Three thousand pesos (P3, 000.00) to Five thousand
pesos (PS, 000,00) shall be imposed on any person, LGU who shall issue a false certification as
provided in Section 4 hereof Any school or institution found violating Section 5 shall be fined
with Three Thousand Pesos (P3, 000.00) on the first instance, Five Thousand Pesos (PS, 000.00)
on the second instance and on the third or succeeding instances, the School’s license to operate
shall be revoked without prejudice to the criminal prosecution of its officers and employees
Violation of any provision of this Act shall subject the government official or employee
concerned to appropriate administrative, civil and/or criminal sanctions, including suspension
and/or dismissal from the government service and forfeiture of benefits.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. The amount necessary to implement the provisions of this Act
shall be included and incorporated in the Annual General Appropriations of the various agencies
of the government involved in the implementation of this Act.


SECTION 8. Separability Clause — If any part or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or
invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in
full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause ~ All laws, orders, rules or regulations which are inconsistent
with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or repealed accordingly

SECTION 10. Effectivity ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,