Green Measures Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG -6 P2:18 RECEN SENATE S. No. 1044 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS A REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippines is endowed with rich natural resources, including vast forests that shelter different species of flora and fauna. For decades, they have been the sources of national pride, healthy life, and living of our people. However, these natural resources are continually being neglected and abused over the years. For one, our forests are continually degrading, causing various risks such as soil erosion, disruption of the water cycle, loss of biodiversity, flood and drought, and climate change. Among the major causes of deforestation in the country are urban construction, agriculture, use for fuel, commercial purposes, and illegal logging. According to Global Forest Watch', the Philippines had 13.2 Mha of natural forest in 2020, extending over 45% of its land area. However: • in 2023, it lost 34.4 kha of natural forest, equivalent to 26.5 Mt of carbon dioxide emissions; • from 2002 to 2023, the country lost 190 kha of humid primary forest, making up 13% of its total tree cover loss in the same time period. Total area of humid primary forest in Philippines decreased by 4.1% in this time period; 1 Philippines Deforestation Rates & Statistics | GFW

• from 2001 to 2023, the country lost 1.47 Mha of tree cover, equivalent to a 7.9% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 835 Mt of COze emissions; • from 2001 to 2023, 20% of tree cover loss occurred in areas where the dominant drivers of loss resulted in deforestation; and • From 2001 to 2023, Philippines lost 28.6 kha of tree cover from fires and 1.44 Mha from all other drivers of loss. The year with the most tree cover loss due to fires during this period was 2022 with 4.25 kha lost to fires — 5.0% of all tree cover loss for that year. Given the fast pace of the deforestation in the country, it is important to address this concern with whole-of-community approach wherein all members of the society will contribute to its solution. While planting of trees requires more time and resources if done in the forests, initiatives to plant trees in spaces even in the urban areas, however small, should be undertaken. Apart from its aesthetic value, planting trees within the areas of buildings and similar structures have several advantages such as provision of cooling and sharing during summer months, reduction of energy required for air conditioning systems, provision of shelter from winds and rain, absorption of noise and pollution, provision of oxygen and moisture provision of privacy and stabilization of land.2 The "Green Measures Act" seeks to mandate all applicants for building permits of residential, commercial, industrial, and public building development projects to submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in addition to other requirements imposed by the local government units. This will ensure that for every structure built, corresponding trees will be planted that will balance the ecology amidst the inevitable development and industrialization. 2 Trees around buildings - practical considerations - Forest Research

In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is highly recommended. lissolta 1 JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA

Cherr ot TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUG -6 P2:18 First Regular Session SENATE RECEI D BU S. No. 1044 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS A REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS 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 "Green Measures Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - 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. Towards this end, the State shall promote the planting of trees 5 to enhance environmental quality, mitigate the effects of climate change, and preserve the environment for present and future generations.

Sec. 3. Tree Planting Plan as Requirement for Permits. - All applicants for

8 building permits of residential, commercial, industrial and public building 9 development projects are hereby mandated to submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in addition to other requirements imposed by local government units (LGUs). Any person, firm, corporation, department, office, bureau, agency or instrumentality of the government intending to construct, alter, repair or convert any building or structure, is required to set aside, and properly maintain in said property, areas adequate for planting and maintaining trees and flora. The TPP shall be a simple plan containing the following: a) Total area of the project; b) Indicative lay-out of the area/s to be planted;

c) Number of trees to be planted, taking into account the ratio of at least one (1) tree for every five hundred (500) square meters for commercial or industrial projects or one (1) tree for every two hundred fifty (250) square meters for housing and development projects; d) Species to be planted; and e) Construction and design of said areas for trees and flora, which shall give emphasis to the façade of the structure and all communal areas.

Sec. 4. Preference for Indigenous Species. - The TPP required under Section

3 hereof, shall give preference to indigenous species of trees, taking into account the location, climate and topography of the area. However, the use of non- 11 vigorously growing endemic ornamental plants or trees and fruit bearing trees is recommended for residential lots.

Sec. 5. Monitoring of the Implementation of the Tree Planting Plan. - The

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the LGUs shall, within a reasonable period specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act, monitor the implementation of the TPP in the projects.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from

the effectivity of this Act, the DENR, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), shall issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of this Act.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,

executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,