Maguindanao military camp observes carless days

CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO—Cars and other vehicles are barred from entering this camp three days in the workweek to encourage soldiers and employees to walk and help stir awareness on climate change, according to the newly installed commander of the 6th Infantry Division (ID).

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy said he ordered the implementation of “carless” days inside the 20-hectare Kampilan headquarters on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to promote walking among the soldiers and employees, improve air quality, and increase awareness on the need to mitigate climate change.

Walk insteadInstead of using automobiles, workers are encouraged to use bicycles or to walk, said Uy, also the commander of Joint Task Force Central.

He said, however, that the military’s ability to respond to emergencies would not be affected as the order only covered private vehicles and not ambulances, firetrucks, military vehicles and delivery trucks.

“From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. three days in a week, cars are not allowed inside the camp, except during emergencies,” said Uy, who used the be the assistant division commander.

He said he issued the directive as part of his advocacy to promote good health and to make the military camp “environment-friendly.”

Fresh air

“It makes the camp vicinity feel cool,” observed a middle military officer, who compared the 6th ID camp now with the Philippine Military Academy campus in Baguio City.

“Now, at least, we breathe fresh air. I think this is the first military camp in the country that implemented vehicle-free days,” he added.

Another soldier said it would be good to also implement the carless policy every day and in all military camps under the 6th ID, which covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani, Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato. INQ