‘Hardin ng Lunas’ opens at Camp O’Donnell

MANILA, Philippines - Another milestone was marked at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, chairperson, and Mrs. Isabel Cojuangco Suntay, founder of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, together with the officers, enlisted men and women of Camp O’Donnell, recently launched the Hardin ng Lunas project in the camp.

This third Hardin ng Lunas project aims to encourage military personnel, civilian employees and community members to plant organic vegetables in their backyards and live a healthy lifestyle.

It also advocates making organically farmed vegetables, fruits, and fish part of the community’s daily meals while providing livelihood.

Just two months ago, the Camp General Servillano Aquino Hardin ng Lunas had its inauguration and harvest festival.

Dr. Suntay, in her speech during the event, said, “Through the Hardin ng Lunas at Camp O’Donnell, a daily dose of organic vegetables, fish and fruits can now make a healthier individual, a healthier soldier and a stronger Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

Hardin ng Lunas was formally launched in October 2012 with President Aquino as guest of honor. The garden promotes the use and propagation of scientifically approved medicinal plants and organic vegetables in Tarlac.

Herbal and medicinal plants used for this project are raised and nurtured at the Tarlac College of Agriculture. The project is supported by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation in cooperation with the St. Luke’s Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology, East-West Seed Philippines, and B&O Green Corp.

The first Hardin ng Lunas Showcase is located in Barangay Camangaan East, Moncada, Tarlac, and the second garden at Camp General Servillano Aquino in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City.