QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 396)
It is a presidential proclamation (June 2, 2003) issued by the President of the Republic of the Philippines “by virtue of the powers vested… by law,” declaring a specific date as a national observance and enjoining participation by government and other sectors in tree planting activities.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003 is declared as PHILIPPINES ARBOR DAY, to be observed throughout the nation.
The proclamation directs that the day be observed throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants, with appropriate ceremonies and actual tree planting activities.
All government agencies, including government-owned or controlled corporations; the private sector; schools; civil society; and the citizenry.
They are enjoined to lead in the tree planting activities through appropriate ceremonies.
Participating agencies, organizations, schools, and LGUs must identify appropriate areas where they can conduct tree planting activities in coordination with the agencies that have jurisdiction over such areas.
Examples given: DENR for public forest lands; DPWH along roadsides of national highways; Department of National Defense for military reservations; Department of Tourism for ecotourism areas; and LGUs for areas within their jurisdictions.
LGUs (including barangays and schools), and the DENR shall establish and maintain nurseries to produce planting materials.
The nurseries should produce planting materials that shall be made available to all participants.
The respective participating agencies/instrumentalities are responsible for maintaining and protecting the planted seedlings.
DENR is directed to provide technical assistance to all participants for the PHILIPPINES ARBOR DAY celebration.
It notes that Environment Month, Philippine Month of Mountains, and the National Forestry Service Anniversary are celebrated in June, and proposes that PHILIPPINES ARBOR DAY coincide with these celebrations to encourage public participation.
It is necessary for appropriate ceremonies for partnership building and actual tree planting, to develop greater public awareness of the importance and role of trees in environmental health and human life.
No specific penalties or sanction provisions are stated in the text provided; it primarily issues directives and enjoins participation and coordination among agencies and stakeholders.
It repeals or amends accordingly Proclamation No. 1547 dated May 18, 1976 and other related issuances inconsistent herewith.
It is signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, with Executive Secretary Alberto G. Romulo signing “By the President.”
All are mentioned in the instruction: LGUs including barangays, schools, and the DENR shall establish and maintain nurseries.