SENATOR Raffy Tulfo is pushing for a measure that would require graduating senior high school and college students to plant at least two trees as part of their civic responsibility to protect and preserve the environment.

Senate Bill No. 2234, or the proposed Graduating Students Tree Planting Act, seeks to make tree planting a requirement for students before they graduate.

Tulfo said the proposal is in line with the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the government to protect and advance the people’s right to a balanced and healthful ecology.

The senator cited the country’s continuing environmental challenges, including deforestation, biodiversity loss and climate change.

Under the proposed measure, every graduating senior high school and college student would be required to plant two trees as part of their civic responsibility for environmental protection and preservation.

Tulfo said forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, protecting biodiversity and regulating the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide.

He noted that the country’s natural landscape has been severely affected by deforestation and forest degradation, making reforestation and ecological recovery urgent priorities.

The senator also emphasized the educational value of the proposal, saying requiring students to plant trees would allow young people to experience environmental protection beyond the classroom.

According to Tulfo, tree planting during students’ formative years could help instill environmental responsibility and encourage them to become active participants in addressing environmental challenges.

He said the proposal is about more than simply planting trees, as it also seeks to “plant values” and integrate environmental responsibility into the education system.