The Philippine Army has launched “Army Green Camp,” a program meant to ensure food sufficiency in military camps amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Army vice commander Major General Reynaldo Aquino spearheaded the launch at the Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday. Aquino said the program aims to support the government’s effort in addressing the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 in the country.
It also seeks to renew the interest of communities in food self-sufficiency and provide livelihood for those involved. The Army initiated the program in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Tarlac Heritage Foundation. Among its components are the Urban Aquaponics and “Hardin ng Lunas.”
Urban aquaponics is a technology which combines the concepts of aquaculture and hydroponics to allow fishes and vegetables to grow together in an integrated system. Meanwhile, the Hardin ng Lunas is a project where soldiers are allowed to plant trees and crops in idle land in military camps for their consumption and to contribute to the country’s vegetable supply. It was first implemented in September 2019 in Camp O’Donnell, Tarlac.
Read more at Manila Bulletin (Martin Sadongdong)