NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
iDflirp of llir ' ■’
24 MAY 21 P5 -38
SENATE
s. No. 2691
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
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
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, 
loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Forests are essential in maintaining ecological 
balance, supporting biodiversity, and regulating the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. 
However, the nation's natural landscapes have been negatively harmed by deforestation 
and forest degradation. By mandating tree planting for graduating students, the bill 
directly addresses these challenges, contributing to reforestation and ecological 
restoration efforts.
Educating the youth about the significance of environmental stewardship is vital 
for fostering a culture of sustainability. By integrating tree-planting activities in the 
graduation requirements guarantees that students not only learn about environmental 
challenges in theory but also engage in practical actions. This hands-on experience instills 
a sense of responsibility and understanding about the importance of safeguarding and 
preserving natural resources, creating environmentally conscious future leaders.


This bill is a timely and essential step toward addressing the urgent environmental 
issues that the Philippines is currently facing. By mandating tree planting as a graduation 
requirement, the bill promotes environmental awareness, civic engagement, biodiversity 
conservation, and climate change mitigation. This initiative not only benefits the 
environment but also contributes to the overall development and sustainability of the 
nation. Integrating environmental action into the educational journey of students ensures 
that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary 
to protect and preserve our environment for future generations.
Senator


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
24 MI\Y21 P5'38
S. No.
Introduced by Senator RaffyT. Tulfo
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:
ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Graduating Students for 
Reforestation Act of 2024".
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 plantings as a means of involving the 
youth in public and civic affairs.
Sec. 3. Tree-planting as a Mandatory Requisite for Graduation - All graduating 
students from senior high school, and college shall be required to plant at least two (2) 
trees as a mandatory prerequisite for their graduation. The tree planting activity shall be 
their first act of public service as they enter the country's labor force.
Sec. 4. Location. - The trees to be planted under this Act shall be located in suitable 
lands and areas as determined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources


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(DENR) and local government units, in coordination with schools, colleges and
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universities.
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Sec. 5. Preference for Indigenous Species. - The species of trees to be planted
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should be appropriate to the location, climate and topography of the area with preference
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for the planting of indigenous species.
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Sec. 6. Partner Agencies and Stakehoiders. - The Department of Education
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(DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall implement the provisions
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of this Act, in partnership with the following agencies:
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a. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
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b. Department of Agriculture (DA);
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c. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
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d. Department of Science and Technoiogy (DOST); and
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e. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCP)
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The responsibility of these agencies shall include:
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1. Establishment of nursery and preparation of seedlings;
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2. Site identification and preparation;
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3. Technical support and extension service; and
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4. Monitoring and evaluation.
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Sec. 7. Provision of Seediings. - The Community Environment and Natural
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Resources Office (CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resource
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(DENR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with local government
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units (LGUs) throughout the Philippines, shall maintain a seedling bank and will serve as
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ready source of seedlings to be provided to senior high schools, colleges and universities
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for the implementation of this Act.
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Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and CHED, in
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coordination with DENR and DILG, and in consultation with other agencies, shall
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promulgate and Issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) necessary to
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implement this Act within sixty (60) days after its approval.


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Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessat7 to carry out the provisions of this
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Act shall be included in the budgets of the implementing departments/agencies in the
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annual General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be declared
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unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force
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and effect
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Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
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proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of
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this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 12. EffectMty. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
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publication in at least two newspapers of general publication.
Approved,