House okays parents to plant two trees for every child born

January 21, 2019 Metro BLISTT

The House of Representatives passed on third and final reading House Bill 8727 authored by Congressman Mark Go requiring parents to plant two trees for every child born to them.
All parents residing in the Philippines, whether legally married or not, are covered under this bill. These trees shall be planted within the premises of their own home or in an area to be designated by the Barangay Council where they reside with the approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“This is a simple way of protecting and preserving our environment and helping the State to achieve its goal of ecological balance,” Go stressed.
The bill directs the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR and the Department of Agriculture to maintain a seedling bank that will serve as the ready source for seedlings to be provided to couples.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals that an average of 4,791 babies is born daily. This is 200 babies per hour. A total of 1,748,857 births are registered in 2014.
“If this will be enacted into a law, this will result to almost 4,000,000 trees planted annually. This shows our collective initiative in helping our environment but most importantly, there will be an increased environmental consciousness and care,” the Baguio solon said.
The measure was approved by the House on January 14. It was transmitted and received by the Senate on January 15,2019.
ABN