NINETEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Flrsl Regular Sesslon
lntroduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
House Bill No. _
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Southeast Asia holds more diverse flora and fauna than Europe, but it is in danger of
losing its biodiversity. lt has natural habitats of up to 40 percent of all species existing on the
planet. A single small tropical-forest patch anywhere in this region, covering just a couple of
hundred hectares, might support more bird and mammal species than there are in the whole
of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany combined.
However, the flora and fauna of the region are increasingly under threat. Annually,
ASEAN loses one percent of its forest cover, a figure fourtimes higherthan the world average.
There are more than 150 endangered species in the Philippines alone. Philippines, lndonesia
and lt/alaysia were among the world's top megadiverse countries. At the same time, the three
Asean nations were also among 25 biodiversity hotspots or places at risk of species loss.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The region's continued biodiversity loss is due to extensive deforestation and habitat
loss, widespread conversion of land for agriculture or urban and industrial development, and
the continuing rapid population groMh. Southeast Asia could have three-fourths less forest
cover and 42 percenl less biodiversity by 2010 at the current rate of logging, forest fires and
problematic land use, among others. Today, more trees are being felled due to shifting
agricultural practices, illegal lumbertrade and large-scale mining. Further, global warming and
climate change are environmental phenomena intertwined with the world's decreasing
biodiversity. The loss of biodiversity is making climate change more complicated which poses
threat on the planet's marine and plant life.
This bill seeks to address the problem of biodiversity loss by requiring every student to
plant ten ('10) trees every year. To date, there are 2.4 million tertiary students, six million in
the secondary level, and 13 million in the primary level. Hence, in just a year, an additional
214,000,000.00 trees would be planted.
ln view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
August 30, 2022
11:15 am
4207


NINETEENTH GONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
lntroduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
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 in the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
Section 1. Short Iifle - This Act shall be known as the "Graduation Legacy for Reforestation
Acf'.
Sec 2. Declaration of Policy. - lt 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 a means of involving the youth in public and civic
affairs.
Sec 3. Tree Planting as a Mandatory Requisitefor 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 Sifes. - 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 lndigenous 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 lnterior and Local Government (DILG)
(e) Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
(f) National Commission on lndigenous 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
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House Bill No. _4207


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. lmplementing 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 (lRR) 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 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,
Sec ,0. 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.