No otter of I Eventury TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 APR 16 P3:07 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No._ 2049 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING GREEN SPACES AND PARKS IN EVERY CITY AND MUNICIPALITY AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Equitable access to parks in urban and even in rural areas is critical in maintaining the quality of life of the people. The increasing number of residential areas, buildings and commercial establishments equate to a decrease in the green spaces not only in Metro Manila but also in different localities. In 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that urbanization in the Philippines reached 54.0%, a 2.8-percentage point increase from 2015, reflecting an increase of 7.20 million in urban residents. The report further highlighted that the Philippines has 33 highly urbanized cities (HUCs), four of which recorded more than a million population namely, Quezon City (2.96 million), Manila City (1.85 million), Davao City (1.78 million), and Caloocan City (1.66 million) (PSA, 2021). The continuous expansion of urban areas and rapid development on Metro Manila leads to diminishing available space, leaving the city with fewer open green areas. Several studies found that green spaces, especially in urban areas, significantly affect the health, social and environmental state in its neighbourhood. Hence, enhancing and expanding green spaces and public parks will potentially improve the health, social and environmental outcomes across the country.
This bill seeks to mandate all cities and municipalities to establish and maintain at least one (1) public green space or park within their territorial jurisdiction. Existing public plazas or parks shall be enhanced, rehabilitated or converted to meet the requirements and standards of green parks. Ultimately, this bill aims to ensure that while development in the country is steady, it maintains a healthy environment and green spaces where people can breathe fresh air, connect with the community, and stay close to nature. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is sought. MARK A. VILLAR
Sendi TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 APR 16 P3:08 First Regular Session ) SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2049 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING GREEN SPACES AND PARKS IN EVERY CITY AND MUNICIPALITY AND PROVIDING 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 "Building Eco-friendly
Recreational Destinations for Every (BERDE) City and Municipality Act"
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote the health
and well-being of the people, protect and advance the right to a balanced and healthful ecology, and ensure sustainable urban development. Toward this end, the State shall mandate the establishment of accessible green spaces and parks in every city and 7 municipality.
Sec. 3. Establishment of Green Parks. - All cities and municipalities shall
g establish and maintain at least one (1) public green park within their territorial jurisdiction. Existing public plazas or parks shall be enhanced, rehabilitated or converted to meet the requirements and standards of green parks established under this Act.
Sec. 4. Minimum Requirements. - Each Local Government Units (LGUs), shall
have a close coordination with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other universities that focus strongly on environment and natural resources fields, in compliance with the requirements for establishing green parks which shall include (1) determination of suitable species of trees and provide seed or saplings to be planted in the green parks, suited to the kind, classification, and
1 condition of the area; and (2) provide for effective measures and ways for the 2 optimum maintenance of the green parks and the healthy growth of trees and plants, 3 and to incorporate climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable design.
Sec. 5. Site Identification and Land Allocation. - LGUs shall identify and allocate
5 appropriate public land for the establishment of green parks. In the absence of 6 available public land, LGUs may: a.) Acquire land through purchase, donation, or expropriation, subject to existing law; or b.) Enter into partnerships with private entities for the development of green parks. LGUs shall also coordinate with Department of Works and Highways (DPWH), 12 which shall provide necessary technical data with respect to the classification, location, condition, and length of all existing vacant public lots in cities and municipalities and 14 provide necessary tools, equipment, and manpower to effect the development of 15 green parks.
Sec. 6. Universities/Schools Coordination with LGUs- All universities, colleges,
17 and schools implementing tree-planting activities shall, in coordination with the concerned LGUs, integrate such initiatives with the development and maintenance of green parks.
Sec. 7. Funding. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
21 Act shall be sourced from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) -Local Government Support Fund under the Green, Green, Green! Program. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with, the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.
Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,