Tree Planting Plan Act

Senate Office of the Suretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) First Regular Session 25 AUG 27 P4:10 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1296 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID AN ACT MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS A REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT PERMITS EXPLANATORY NOTE The "Tree Planting Plan Act" is a proposed legislation aimed at fostering sustainable development and environmental protection in the Philippines. This bill seeks to ensure that economic growth and urban expansion are balanced by responsible ecological practices, particularly through tree planting. By requiring applicants for building or development permits to submit a tree planting plan, the government aims to mitigate the adverse effects of development on the environment and promote a healthier, greener Philippines for future generations. By way of background, rapid urbanization and industrialization in the Philippines have led to deforestation, habitat loss, air and water pollution, and an overall deterioration of the natural environment. The decline in tree cover and green spaces has contributed to climate change, biodiversity loss, and decreased quality of life for citizens. Recognizing the urgent need to address these issues, the Tree Planting Plan Act is introduced to establish a legal framework for proactive environmental protection. Under this bill, applicants for building or development permits must incorporate

a tree planting plan as an integral part of their project proposal. The proposed law sets specific tree planting ratios based on the type of development: 1. For commercial or industrial projects, a minimum of one (1) tree must be planted for every five hundred (500) square meters of developed land; 2. For housing and development projects, a minimum of one (1) tree must be planted for every two hundred fifty (250) square meters of developed land. These ratios are designed to ensure that a significant amount of greenery is integrated into development projects, promoting biodiversity, enhancing air quality, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. The bill mandates that the trees selected for planting in the tree planting plan should be native or endemic species, emphasizing the importance of preserving the country's unique biodiversity. Native trees are better adapted to local conditions, making them more resilient and supportive of local ecosystems. The Tree Planting Plan Act represents a crucial step towards balancing development with environmental protection in the Philippines. By requiring the integration of tree planting into development projects, the bill promotes sustainable growth, preserves biodiversity, and safeguards the nation's natural heritage for future generations. This legislation embodies the government's commitment to creating a greener and more resilient Philippines, demonstrating its dedication to the well-being of both its citizens and the environment. In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is sought. Senator

Senate Offite of tie Secrelatp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session AUG 27 P4:10 SENATE RECEIVED BY S. No. 1296 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS A REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT PERMITS Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Tree Planting Plan

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 to enhance environmental quality, mitigate the effects of climate change, and preserve the environment for present and future generations.

SEC. 3. Tree Planting Plan. - All applicants for building permits of residential,

commercial, industrial and public building development projects are hereby mandated to submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in addition to other requirements imposed by local government units and other existing laws. 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, considering 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 facade of the structure and all communal areas.

SEC. 4. Factors Considered in TPP. - The TPP required under Section 3 hereof,

shall give preference to indigenous species of trees, considering the location, climate and topography of the area. However, planting non-vigorously growing endemic ornamental plants or trees and fruit bearing bees is recommended for residential lots.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules. - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this

Act, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Works and Highways, shall issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of this Act.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act or the application

thereof to any person or circumstance be held invalid, the other provisions or sections of this Act shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and

regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following

2 its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,