Army launches farming project in vacant camps nationwide

July 21, 2020

The Philippine Army launched on Monday the Army Green Camp Program to support the government’s effort to address the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, said the program was launched at the Philippine Army headquarters in Taguig City.

"Through the partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Tarlac Heritage Foundation, the Green Camp Program, which includes the Urban Aquaponics and 'Hardin ng Lunas', also aims to renew interest in food self-sufficiency and encourage livelihood to a major portion of population," he said.

Zagala said Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Aquino who, on behalf of the Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, reiterated the Army’s commitment to support the national government’s efforts in promoting the culture of food-sufficiency.

Aquino noted that the Army Green Camp Program shall be implemented in idle camps nationwide.

“All Army camps nationwide are currently maintaining model farms towards a transformative and sustainable approach to self-sufficiency which is essential to mitigate food shortage," he said.

Zagala said during the signing of the memorandum of partnership, Bureau of Plant and Industry  Assistant Director for Operations and Administration Gerald Glenn Panganiban relayed the message of Agriculture Secretary William Dar who emphasized the importance of addressing the threat of hunger.

“I wish to emphasize that the threat of hunger is as real as the threat of COVID-19 or any insurgence for that matter. We are confident that we can win the war against hunger through our strategic alliance toward the long term, a strong, resilient, and productive Philippine Agriculture," Dar said. Robina Asido/DMS