University of San Carlos

School of Law and Governance

Cebu City

August 26, 2015

HON. ROLAND REYES

Councilor
Sangguniang Panglungsod
Danao City, Cebu

Dear Hon. Reyes:

Greetings of peace and joy!

First of all, allow us to introduce ourselves. We are students of law at the University of
San Carlos – School of Law and Governance. As part of our Environmental Law course, we
have realized the importance of the environment especially our forests as embodied in several
national legislations including the Ecological Waste Management Act and The Forestry Code of
the Philippines that contain provisions requiring the state, the local government units, and all of
the citizens, to perform acts that aim to protect the environment from further abuse and likewise
restore it to its former health.

In line with this, as part of our advocacy to implement our existing environmental laws as
well as assist in fulfilling its purposes, we are presenting to you a proposed city ordinance that
would enable the city of Danao to fulfill its part in restoring our environment. The attached
proposal aims to impose a mandatory tree planting requirement before the issuance of a
building permit. This way, when a portion of land is utilized for construction purposes,
lessening the available lands for trees, the builders can compensate for their utilization of such
land by planting trees in another area, what could have been planted in such land. This
ordinance would likewise require the assistance of the DENR-CENRO in selecting the areas for
the tree-planting activity and monitoring its compliance.

We hope that this proposal will merit your consideration and should you find it worthy we
hope that you will recommend it for deliberation in the city council.

On a final note, we believe that it is all our duty to take initiative in protecting the
environment. As our Constitution itself provides,

The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

With this in mind, we believe that it is everyone’s shared responsibility to make our
country green once more, for our sake and for all the future generations of mighty and proud
Filipinos to come. .

For any concern regarding our proposal, you may reach us at

marcley_natuel@yahoo.com or at 0922810981 (Marcley Natu-el).
 University of San Carlos
School of Law and Governance
Cebu City