The House of Representatives, in a move to mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve the environment, approved on second reading House Bill 7373 which seeks to require the planting of trees for any construction of residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings.
The proposed “Green Building Act,” principally authored by Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, declares that 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.
The bill mandates all applicants for building permits of residential, commercial, industrial, and public development projects to submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP), in addition to the other requirements imposed by local government units.
The bill mandates all applicants for building permits of residential, commercial, industrial and public development projects to submit a Tree Planting Plan.
Any person, firm or corporation, or department, office, bureau agency or government instrumentality intending to construct, alter, repair, or convert any building or structure, shall be required to set aside and properly maintain areas adequate for planting and maintaining trees and flora in said property.
The TPP shall contain the following: total area of the project; indicative lay-out of the area or areas to be planted; number of trees to be planted, taking into account the ratio of at least one tree for every 500 square meters for commercial or industrial projects or one tree for every 250 square meters for housing development projects; species to be planted; and construction and design of said areas for trees and flora, which shall give emphasis to the facade of the structure and all communal areas.
The TPP shall give preference to indigenous species of trees, taking into account the location, climate, and topography of the area.
The Tree Planting Plan shall give preference to indigenous species of trees, taking into account the location, climate, and topography of the area.
Within 60 days from the effectivity of the Act, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in coordination with the Department of 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.
The legislator said that like those of other countries, the country’s carbon emissions dominate the rate by which the Philippines is able to produce and replenish green resources.
“The continuous abuse of our forest reserves by big businesses does not help our cause either. With the passage of HB 7373, we are confident that we can effectively reduce the exploitation of our green resources,” said the lawmaker.
The bill is co-authored by Reps. Nancy Catamco, Noel Villanueva, Joseph Stephen Paduano, Pablo Ortega, Maria Vida Bravo, Mark Go, and Gary Alejano.