Senator Cynthia A. Villar sponsored a bill which seeks to institutionalize tree planting as a ‘civic duty’ for all graduating senior high school and college students nationwide.
Villar’s proposed measure- Senate Bill No. 2834. or the “Tree Planting Legacy of Graduates Act of 2024,” under Committee Report No. 330
intends to address environmental challenges, particularly the effects of climate change.
It also aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among our youth.
The chairperson of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources said this measure offers a proactive solution.
“Beyond responding to immediate needs, this bill proposes long-term ecological benefits that will serve as a foundation for sustainable development. Central to this initiative are the trees that graduating students will plant–trees that will help restore ecosystems, protect communities, and mitigate the effects of climate change,” explained Villar.
On the other hand, she said the benefits of trees are far-reaching.
“Trees play a vital role in addressing climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming. They act as natural barriers against floods, stabilize soil, and reduce the risk of landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas,” she said.
In cities, she said trees help counter the urban heat island effect.
Furthermore, trees improve air quality and support biodiversity by providing habitats for various species.
The Committee Report, prepared and submitted jointly by the Committees on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Basic Education, and Finance, is in substitution of Senate Bill No. 1538 authored by Senator Ramon Revilla, Senate Bill No. 2228 which she authored, and Senate Bill No. 2691 authored by Senator Raffy Tulfo.
Villar noted the measure comes at a critical moment as our country faces increasing devastation caused by typhoons.
“In July 2024, Typhoon Carina, combined with the southwest monsoon (habagat), severely impacted Northern and Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Southern Luzon, displacing more than 211,000 people and affecting 1.3 million Filipinos. The typhoon caused significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture, with the Department of Agriculture estimating losses at ?696 million, severely affecting rice, corn, and other essential crops,” she said.
In early September 2024, she related that typhoon Enteng (international name Yagi) worsened the situation, particularly in Luzon and the Visayas.
These frequent disasters, the senator said, highlight the urgent need to address environmental degradation and strengthen disaster resilience in the Philippines.
