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A bill that will require a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) from all applicants of building permits for residential, commercial, industrial, and public building development projects has been given final approval in the House of Representatives. 

House Bill (HB) No.8569, which aims to help mitigate the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, gained 266 affirmative votes during plenary session Wednesday night, Aug. 9, en route to its passage on third and final reading. There were neither negative votes nor abstentions.

"In requiring a Tree Planting Plan to secure building permits, we aim to enhance environmental quality, mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve the environment for present and future generations,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said. 

“Under the bill, 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 Leyte 1st district congressman said. 

"The measure also specifies the contents of the TPP, including the species to be planted,” added Romualdez. 

Section 4 of the proposed legislation particularly gives preference to indigenous species of trees, taking into account the location, climate, and topography of the area. However, planting non-vigorously growing endemic ornamental plants or trees and fruit-bearing trees is recommended for residential lots. 

The authors of the bill are Reps. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Joseph Stephen "Caraps" Paduano, Dante Garcia, JC Abalos, Harris Christopher Ongchuan, Princess Rihan Sakaluran, Sheree Tan-Tambut, Noel "Bong" Rivera, Carl Nicolas Cari, Robert Ace Barbers, Ramon Jolo Revilla III, Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Eleanor Bulut-Begang, Alfonso Umali, Jr., Ciriaco Gato, Jr., Gerardo Valmayor, Jr., and Mark Go.