Re whee of hel rilegpves
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 894

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING PUBLIC RECREATIONAL PARKS, FACILITIES AND OPEN
SPACES IN ALL CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES AND REQUIRING CREATION OF
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS.

For a State that prioritizes the well-being of its people, it's imperative that we provide
‘spaces that allow relaxation—spaces for social interactions away from the hustle and
bustle of the city, while remaining right at the urban center. Urban parks fill the
absence of green space and helps improve air quality, especially for highly-
urbanized cities, ultimately helping reduce carbon emission levels. They act as buffer
for noise pollution and improve climate and humidity levels while reducing the heat
island effect or urban areas. It has also been said to improve the over-all health and
well-being of people.

This bill proposes establishing and maintaining parks and recreational facilities on
open spaces within cities and municipalities for public use. This includes preparing
for Comprehensive Land Use Plans, utilizing urban planning approaches that
promote physical activity. We aim to produce open spaces that are not only
attractive, but are accessible as well, especially for families and senior citizens. The
plans should aim to enhance the over-all quality of life for the citizens of the city or

municipality and not serve as mere value-adding property.


This bill also seeks to create an implementing body consisting of authorities tasked
to over-see the development of urban parks, recreation facilities and their
corresponding Comprehensive Land Use Plans. Aside from aesthetic, as is common
among urban park developments, this bill prioritizes function over the kinds of public
parks, recreational facilities and open spaces to be developed. It examines the
needs of the citizenry it serves and what applies most to the demands of the city or
municipality through conducting consultations with the residents and stakeholders.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

al

LUIS RA’ ID “LRA '. VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Reb of the Phileas
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no 8094

eS

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

=

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING PUBLIC RECREATIONAL PARKS, FACILITIES AND OPEN
SPACES IN ALL CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES AND REQUIRING CREATION OF
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS.

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. This act shall be known as the “Urban Parks and
Recreational Spaces Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to provide adequate
Social services, promote social justice and the welfare of the workers and their
families.

SECTION 3. Establishment of Public Recreational Parks, Facilities and Open
Spaces. Pursuant to the policy enunciated in Section 1 hereof, there is hereby
established and maintained at least one (1) public park, recreational facility or open
space in every city and municipality. Such parks and spaces shall comprise of an
area and facility as provided under Section 4 of this Act and as may be determined
by the implementing body hereafter designated in consultation with the appropriate
government agencies.

SECTION 4. Preparation of Comprehensive Land Use Plans. All cities and
municipalities shall prepare their respective comprehensive land use plans, to be


enacted through zoning ordinances. The comprehensive land use plan shall
designate the general location and extent of the uses of land for the establishment of
Public recreational parks, facilities and open spaces.

Wherever possible, the land use element should consider utilizing urban planning
approaches that promote physical activity. The plan must contain the following:

A. A forecast of the future needs for such parks and spaces and related facilities;

B. An inventory of existing public parks, recreational facilities and open spaces,
showing the locations and capacities of the facilities;

C. The proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new public parks,
recreational facilities and open spaces;

D. At least a six-year plan that will finance such facilities and spaces within
Projected funding capacities and clearly identifies sources of money for such
Purposes.

The Local Government Unit's urban planners and city engineers must consult with
the implementing body in the development of their plans. At least five (5) public
hearings shall be conducted to determine the needs of the residents who will use
and benefit from the system and citizens and stakeholders shall be involved in all
stages of the development of these plans.

SECTION 5. Kinds of public parks, recreational facilities and open spaces.
Parks, recreational facilities and open spaces refer to various types of facilities that
have public access. These facilities are classified into the following:

A. Accessible natural and semi-natural green space — located outside of urban
areas or on the urban fringe. Space used predominantly for walking. Often
grassy areas or woodland.

B. Allotments — Sites used for horticulture, often comprising of numerous plots
rented out to members of the community.

C. Urban Cemeteries — public cemeteries with sites that are large enough to

have some sort of recreational or strategic function qualify.

. Build Sport Facilities — i.e. basketball courts, golf courses, leisure centers, etc.

. Community Halls

. Cultural Facilities —i.e, libraries, museum, tourist attractions, etc.

. Playing Field or Park — Sites that are large enough to accommodate outdoor

sports.

. School Facilities - Educational facilities that have halls, built sports facilities or

playing fields, that are open to the public in come capacity or used after
school.

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SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Immediately after this Act
takes effect, a committee tasked with the formulation of the implementing rules and


regulations of this Act shall be created. The committee, hereby known as the "Urban
Parks Development Council’, shall be composed of the following:

A.

B.
c.

D.

ES

F.

G.

The Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, who shall
also chair the committee;

A representative from the Department of Public Works and Highways;

A representative from the Department of Environment and National
Resources;

A professor from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and
Regional Planning;

A professor from the University of the Philippines College of Architecture;

A representative from the Philippine Green Building Council;

A representative from the National Parks Development Committee.

Within six (6) months after this Act takes effect the Committee shall submit the
implementing rules and regulations.

SECTION 7. Appropriation. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Act or the
application thereof shall be declared invalid of unconstitutional, the validity of other
parts or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive issuances, rules and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 140. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,