CAMP AGUINALDO, QUEZON CITY—The Armed Forces of the Philippines released a directive prohibiting the use of food containers made from Styrofoam and cellophane materials inside Camp Aguinaldo starting on March 1. This is in support to the government’s campaign to replace non-biodegradable materials with biodegradable ones.
With mounting pressure from various environmental groups pressing for stringent measures to prevent the use of hazardous materials that worsen global warming and pollution, the government through the Metro Manila Development Authority asked Metro Manila mayors to ban the use of Styrofoam and plastics. Three cities particularly Muntinlupa, Makati, and Las Pinas have already followed MMDA’s recommendations as of February.
AFP Chief of Staff ordered the ban, through Headquarters Service Command of the AFP, on grounds that the non-biodegradable materials are hazardous to the environment; that they threaten public health and the ozone layer with their combustion; and that they also clog up drainage systems increasing the risk of flooding in the cities.
Employees and personnel in the GHQ are encouraged to bring their own reusable containers when purchasing and consuming food and items within the camp. Also, the AFP Commissioned Officers Club that supplies subsidized meals to many offices in Camp Aguinaldo was advised with different environment-friendly options for packing food.
LtGen Jessie D Dellosa said that this initiative of the AFP is long overdue since the effects of Climate Change because of hazardous wastes have already affected the country.
“The convenience we get in using Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable materials is nothing compared to the devastation we get from natural calamities. It is now time that we adjust our habits and start embracing the use of environment friendly materials, not just inside Camp Aguinaldo, but also in our homes,” LtGen Dellosa added.
The AFP Chief also likened this new policy to how the people-centered and multi-sector Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan is being implemented. “If all of us will cooperate in this undertaking, we can definitely and significantly contribute to the prevention of future man-induced calamities,” said LtGen Dellosa.
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PAO-AFP | Armed Forces of the Philippines | Article Link
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