MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines has banned the use of non-biodegradable food containers inside Camp Aguinaldo.
In a press statement, the AFP said Armed Forces Chief Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa issued a directive effective March 1 banning the use of Styrofoam and cellophane containers inside the camp in support to the government’s campaign against the use of non-biodegradable materials and replace them with biodegradable containers.
“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,” the AFP said in a statement.
Following the directive, civilian employees and military personnel are encouraged to use reusable containers when purchasing and consuming food inside the camp. Likewise, the AFP Commissioned Officers Club which provides subsidized meals to many offices inside the camp was advised to use environment-friendly or biodegradable food containers.
“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,” Dellosa said in a statement.
The Metro Manila Development Authority has asked Mayors of various cities in Metro Manila to ban Styrofoam and plastics. As of February, only three cities—Muntinlupa, Makati and Las Piñas—have followed the recommendation.