The Philippine military is not just safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty—it is also taking a stand for environmental sustainability.
From using electric vehicles and solar-powered facilities to planting trees and aiding in disaster response, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has integrated eco-friendly initiatives into its operations.
Philippine Army: Greening the camps
At the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, sustainability is in action. Twelve electric vehicles shuttle personnel and civilians across the camp, reducing carbon emissions. The headquarters also installed three solar-powered lamp posts to promote energy conservation.
“Also, no vehicles around the headquarters complex to promote healthy walking and zero carbon emission. We have also constructed solar powered water refilling stations and laundry,” Army Spokesperson Col Louie Dema-ala told Manila Standard.
These eco-friendly initiatives are not confined to Fort Bonifacio. Dema-ala noted that similar projects have been implemented in major Army camps nationwide, including a strict “no-smoking policy” in offices and premises.
To promote environmental sustainability, the Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division planted 1,000 bamboo seedlings on January 30 at the San Andres Military Reservation in Tanay, Rizal.
Bamboo plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening the area’s ecological resilience.
Philippine Air Force: Protecting forests and farms
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has been actively contributing to the National Greening Program, an initiative launched in 2011 to reforest degraded areas.
According to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, they have planted over 100,000 trees across Air Bases and partner communities since 2018.
Beyond tree planting, PAF also plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring. Its aircraft are frequently used to survey forests and coastal areas, while helicopters with heli-buckets help suppress wildfires in Benguet, Ilocos, and other regions.
“We also use our aircraft for cloud seeding activities to help farmers grow their crops during El Niño, and produce rain to help prevent or suppress forest fires,” Castillo said. The PAF also supports disaster response efforts for communities affected by heavy rains and typhoons.
Philippine Navy: Climate action through partnerships
The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, strengthened its commitment to environmental protection through strategic partnerships. It recently signed an agreement with Advocates Capable for Environment to Restructure and Sustainability Inc. (ACERS Inc.), a non-profit organization that supports disaster response and climate change awareness programs.
This partnership focuses on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and medical missions while also promoting sustainability efforts within naval operations.
Through these initiatives, the AFP is proving that national defense extends beyond securing borders—it also means protecting the environment by integrating sustainability into military operations.