THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved 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 in a bid to help mitigate the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

With an overwhelming vote of 266, the chamber approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) No. 8569 on Monday,

“In requiring a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) 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,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. 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. House Bill No. 8569 also specifies the contents of the TPP, including the species to be planted,” Speaker Romualdez said.

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 L. Primicias-Agabas, Joseph Stephen “Caraps” S. Paduano, Dante S. Garcia, JC Abalos, Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan, Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran, Sheree A. Tan-Tambut, Noel “Bong” N. Rivera, Carl Nicolas C. Cari, Robert Ace S. Barbers, Ramon Jolo B. Revilla III, Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, Eleanor C. Bulut-Begang, Alfonso V. Umali, Jr., Ciriaco B. Gato, Jr., Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr., and Mark O. Go.