MANILA, Philippines - After making his mark as a world boxing champ, Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao is now fighting climate change by filing a bill to increase reforestation efforts in villages all over the Philippines.

Pacquiao said his first bill in the 15th Congress requires all barangays nationwide to have at least 5 hectares of land to be used as reforestation area.

The boxing phenomenon-turned-congressman said forests are an effective way to control the effects of climate change. He said he filed the reforestation bill as a way to remind the people about the importance of taking care of the environment.

"These days, a little flood could already trigger landslides. Marami na tayong nakakalbong kabundukan so tama lang na alagaan natin ang ating kalikasan," he said.

Pacquiao predicted easy sailing for his pet bill since he has the support of many of his colleagues at the House of Representatives.

"I don't see any problem because the bill is not for me but for everyone. Everyone will benefit," he said.

Pacquiao is no stranger to environmental concerns after being appointed head of the Department of Environmental  and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Task Force Kalikasan (nature) during the previous administration.

The new congressman said he is also set to meet Health Secretary Enrique Ona to discuss plans for the construction of a new hospital in Sarangani, which was one of his promises during the campaign.