Military camp eyed for ecotourism

JAMINDAN, CAPIZ, Philippines — The nation’s 3rd largest and only military camp here with five waterfalls at 33,310 hectares is now being considered to be developed into an ecotourism area.Camp General Macario Peralta, Jr., home of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, was declared a military reservation through Presidential Proclamation No. 67 and officially proclaimed by virtue of Jamindan Municipal Council Resolution 19.

Major Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the 3rd ID that administers the military reservation, said: “Our talks with the tourism department of the local government of Capiz and other private enterprises see that the opening of the camp to tourists will offer opportunity to tell the world the rich cultural heritage of the people in this area.”

He said that tourists visiting the world class island resort of Boracay will now have another option for a place to visit to. “Visiting the camp will give visitors a chance to understand more of the local society and culture here,” he said.

With the five waterfalls that have been discovered, so far, at the cantonment area, Mabanta said Camp Peralta is one of the best places to travel to and appreciate what the natural environment can offer. “We believe there are more unexplored waterfalls that are within the reservation,” he said.

The camp covers the towns of Jamindan and Tapaz of Capiz province and Lambunao, Iloilo province. It is inhabited by various communities of indigenous people (IP).

In coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), the 3rd ID has continued to protect and promote the interest and well-being of the IPs, their beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions.

With 27 barangays inside the sprawling military reservation, the ecotourism plan is expected to empower the communities and give employment opportunities to residents.

The 18 barangays belonging to Tapaz town, within the camp are Maliao, Mabini, Senonod, Bato-Bato, Rizal Sur, Hilwan and portions of Artuz, Tabon, Rizal Norte, Aglupacan, Da-an Norte, Da-an Sur, Nayawan, Sia, Buri, Minan, Taganhin and Tacayan.

Portions of the eight barangays of Jamindan are Ganzon, Agbunud, Lucero, Pasul-o, Jaena Norte, San Juan, Jaena Sur and Agloway. Included is a small portion of Barangay Cabatangan of Lambunao town, Iloilo.

The camp is just 54 kilometers from Roxas City, Capiz, 88 kms from Kalibo, Aklan and 122 kms. from Iloilo city.

The whole camp is a nature park and a wildlife sanctuary. Among its beautiful spots are the grotto and shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located at a hilltop where one can enjoy the mountain view as far as Dumalag, Capiz in the south. A variety of flora and fauna surrounds the grotto.

There is also the nature trek—a 2-hour hike through the forest—which treats hikers to a glimpse of the 100-meter waterfall and the three basin falls.

Visitors can also take a dip and swim in the fresh water stream. The 3rd ID swimming pool itself offers confined water scuba diving and is considered a great get-together area for command and family activities.

Additionally, the command has a vacation and picnic area aptly called the “Kalikasan Nature Park” complete with amenities and a viewing tower. - THE FREEMAN