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Republic of the Philippines / ¢ RECEIVED 2
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES —[/ 2 UL 27 202
Quezon City, Metro Manila DATEHUL2 wv

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2498
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE DANTE S. GARCIA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution provides that “the State shall protect and advance the right of
the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature.” The citizenry also has the responsibility to achieve the nation’s goal and visions.

To develop people’s awareness on the effects of climate change and the reforestation
crusade of the State, it is imperative to encourage tree planting as part of every citizen’s concern
and responsibility, and make them partners in the solution for global warming.

This bill which mandates all graduating senior high school and college students to plant

two (2) trees each as a prerequisite for graduation has already been approved by the House of
Representatives on its 3“ reading in the 17" and 18" Congresses.

Further, to promote and pursue environmental protection, food security, biodiversity

conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, the urgent passage of this measure is
earnestly sought.

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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2498

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE DANTE S. GARCIA

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:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Graduation Legacy for

Reforestation Act.”

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
thythm and harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State shall promote and pursue
reforestation programs and encourage tree planting as a means of involving the youth in public
and civic affairs

SEC. 3. Tree Planting as a Mandatory Requisite for Graduation. - As an act of
public service before they join the country’s labor force, all graduating students in senior high
school and college shall plant at least two (2) trees as a prerequisite for graduation.

SEC. 4. Tree Planting Sites — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) and the concerned local government units (LGUs) shall determine the appropriate


tree planting sites within the local government's respective areas, in coordination with schools,
colleges and universities

SEC. 5. Preference for Indigenous Species. - The species of trees to be planted should
be appropriate to the location, climate and topography of the area, with preference for the
planting of indigenous species.

SEC. 6. Partner Agencies and Stakeholders. - The Department of Education (DepEd)
and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall implement the provisions of this Act,
in partnership with the following agencies:

(a) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

(b) Department of Agriculture (DA)

(c) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

(e) Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

(f) National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)

The responsibilities of these agencies shall include:

1, Establishment of nursery and seedling preparation

2. Site identification and preparation

3. Technical support and extension services

4. Monitoring and evaluation

SEC. 7. Provisions 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 LGUs throughout the Philippines
shall maintain a seedling bank that will serve as a ready source of seedlings to be used in the
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The DepEd, and CHED, in

coordination with DENR and DILG, and in consultation with other agencies, shall promulgate


and issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to implement this Act within sixty (60)
days after its effectivity.

SEC. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this
Act shall be included in the budgets of the implementing departments and agencies in the
annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - Should any portion or provision of this Act be
declared unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly

SEC. 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,