PLANTING TREES UNDER ARBOR DAY ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES

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Published — March 9, 2021 

The following post does not create a lawyer-client relationship between Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices (or any of its lawyers) and the reader. It is still best for you to engage the services of your own lawyer to address your legal concerns, if any.

Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.

Planting trees to boost tourism, you may also read: WHAT IS TOURISM ENTERPRISE ZONE?

• The government protects the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology

• All able-bodied Filipino citizens who are at least twelve (12) years of age are required to plant one (1) tree every year

• The barangay officials and deputized nongovernmental organizations are responsible for the maintenance of such trees

Minors are also mandated to participate in the so-called Arbor Day.

It is the declared policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with rhythm and harmony of nature. Towards this end, the Arbor Day Act was enacted.

What is Arbor Day?

The law says:

Arbor Day is also called Tree Planting Day. Arbor Day is created under Republic Act No. 10176, otherwise known as the Arbor Day Act of 2012. Arbor Day Act mandates that all provinces, cities and municipalities with their component barangays are required to declare an Arbor Day or Tree Planting Day at a fixed date every calendar year as shall be deemed conducive to the proper tune and season for planting trees in the respective localities. Although adoption of uniform dates for its celebration shall be encouraged, varying dates may be allowed in order to afford flexibility in the planning and implementing of the programs for tree planting.

Once an Arbor Day has been designated, it shall be declared as a public working holiday in order to ensure the participation of the different sectors of society and such declaration may be embodied in the proclamation that local chief executives.

Who may plant trees during Arbor Days?

The law says:

All able-bodied citizens of the Philippines, who are at least twelve (12) years of age are required to plant one (1) tree every year. The tree planting activities shall be done in any of the following areas:

1. Public grounds, gardens or other available areas within the school premises;
2. Idle or vacant public lands;
3. Public parks in urban and rural areas; and
4. Private schools, parks and lands with the consent of the owner.

When the trees were already planted, it is the duty of barangay officials and deputized nongovernmental organizations are responsible for the maintenance of such trees. 

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Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/0917-5772207.

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