POSTED Mar 29, 2022 - 01:11 PM
Sustainability bills pending in Congress
Sustainability should be one of the government’s main priorities, but some of these bills have been pending since 2019
While sustainability starts at home, the bulk of the progress relies on private corporations and the government. In order to ensure a sustainable future, the government must work to create and enact legislation to help accomplish that goal.
In the 18th Congress alone, there are a number of pending bills that aim to establish the groundwork for a more citizen-, environment-, and MSME-friendly country.
Here are a few of the pending bills on sustainability and the sustainable development of the nation.
Food and Agriculture
HB09339
Description: This bill aims to protect and make available the genetic makeup of plants for the purpose of food and agriculture.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Josephine Y. Ramirez-Sato
Date officially received by Congress: July 1, 2019
Date read: July 7, 2019
Industry of concern: Agriculture and food
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Agriculture and Food since July 23, 2019
HB06422
Full bill title: An Act Establishing Upland Sustainable Agroforestry Development (Usad) Program In Upland Agricultural Lands And Appropriating Funds Therefor
Description: This bill proposes to establish a sustainable upland agroforestry development program in upland agricultural lands.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Eddibong G. Plaza
Date officially received by Congress: Mar. 2, 2020
Date read: Mar. 4, 2020
Industry of concern: Agriculture and food
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Agriculture and Food since Mar. 4, 2020
HB07443
Description: This bill proposes to establish a food supply and distribution center in every province in Mindanao to promote sustainable agricultural development and strengthen food security.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Christian S. Unabia
Date officially received by Congress: Aug. 20, 2020
Date read: Aug. 24, 2020
Industry of concern: Food security
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Food Security since Aug. 24, 2020
HB10491
Description: This bill proposes to provide the resources, mechanisms, and funds for the sustainable growth and development of the Philippine bamboo industry.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano
Date officially received by Congress: Nov. 15, 2021
Date read: Nov. 17, 2021
Industry of concern: Agriculture and food
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Agriculture and Ffood since Nov. 17, 2021
Transportation
HB01287
Description: This bill proposes to create accessible elevated walkways along EDSA and other high-traffic areas in other cities.
Significance: Local
Principal Author: Rep. Luis Raymund “Lray” F. Villafuerte Jr.
Date officially received by Congress: July 3, 2019
Date read: July 24, 2019
Industry of concern: Transportation
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Transportation since Feb. 2, 2020
HB04209
Description: The bill aims to promote alternative and more sustainable modes of transportation in order to increase travel efficiency, improve air quality, and contribute positively to the overall health of citizens.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Alfred Vargas
Date officially received by Congress: Aug. 27, 2019
Date read: Sept. 3, 2019
Industry of concern: Transportation
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Transportation since Sept. 3, 2019
HB04705
Description: This bill proposes to establish a network of sustainable, elevated walkways along high-traffic areas in major cities.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Allan Benedict S. Reyes
Date officially received by Congress: Sep. 19, 2019
Date read: Sept. 23, 2019
Industry of concern: Transportation
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Transportation since Feb. 24, 2020
Health
HB01516
Description: This bill proposes the creation of the National Sanitation Coordinating Council that will create a national, sustainable waste management program.
Significance: National
Principal Authors: Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. and Rep. Elizaldy S. Co
Date officially received by Congress: July 4, 2019
Date read: July 24, 2019
Industry of concern: Health
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on health since July 24, 2019
Tourism
HB03623
Description: This bill proposes to provide mechanisms to institutionalize sustainable coastal tourism and adopt integrated coastal management plans for further sustainable development.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Alfred Vargas
Date officially received by Congress: Aug. 7, 2019
Date read: August 14, 2019
Industry of concern: Tourism
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Tourism since Aug. 14, 2019
HB07329
Full bill title: An Act Institutionalizing Sustainable Tourism By Providing Strengthening Measures Therefor
Description: This bill proposes to equip coastal tourist areas with the means, information, and support to transition into sustainable operations.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Alfred C. Delos Santos
Date officially received by Congress: Aug. 8, 2020
Date read: Aug. 11, 2020
Industry of concern: Tourism
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Tourism since Aug. 11, 2020
Urban Development
HB03891
Full bill title: An Act Providing For The Development Of Sustainable Cities And Communities In The Country, And For Other Purposes
Description: This bill aims to lay the groundwork for the equitable development of sustainable cities and communities around the country.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez
Date officially received by Congress: Aug. 13, 2019
Date read: Aug. 20, 2019
Industry of concern: Housing and urban development
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Housing and Urban Development since Aug. 20, 2019
Economy
HB07609
Full bill title: An Act To Promote Circular Economy And A Whole-Of-Nation Transition Toward A Sustainable Future
Description: This bill proposes to come up with the mechanisms, information, and resources required to transition the country towards a sustainable future by way of promoting the circular economy.
Significance: National
Principal Author: Rep. Loren Legarda
Date officially received by Congress: Sept. 8, 2020
Date read: Sept. 14, 2020
Industry of concern: Economic affairs
Current bill status: Pending with the Committee on Economic Affairs since Sept. 14, 2020
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