Military camp lures tourists

CAMP Macario Peralta Jr., nestled in rolling and

mountainous terrain inside a 33,310-hectare

military reservation in Tapaz and Jamindan towns

in Capiz, is fast becoming a domestic tourist

destination.

Since Maj. Gen. Victor U. Garcia assumed command of the military headquarters

more than a year ago, Camp Peralta has slowly shed off its martial bearings and

opened its door to civilians who wanted to commune with nature.

The facility is home to the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division.

Thousands of civilians from Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental have already

visited the camp and its lush greenery and forest, dotted with open spaces for

recreation.

They have spread the word that it is a ''must'' place to visit like any other tourist

attractions in Panay.

On April 26 to May 1, a ''super camp'' will be held in Camp Peralta, sponsored by

the Philippine National Red Cross. About 500 high school students and elementary

pupils from all over Panay will participate, comprising the biggest civilian

delegation so far that will enter the camp for a series of guided tours and activities.

The youths will occupy a tent city used as training venue for new Army recruits and

soldiers undergoing retraining.

Visitors

On March 13, bankers and Rotarians from Aklan visited the camp for an overnight

stay. Last Saturday, it was the turn of the 90-member faculty and administrative staff

of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges in Kalibo, Aklan.

Other groups that had visited the camp included Aklan government officials led by

Rep. Allen Quimpo and Gov. Florencio Miraflores, members of the Arts Council of

Aklan, faculty members of the Aklan State College of Agriculture, medical graduates

of the Iloilo Doctors' Hospital and the St. Anthony's Hospital in Capiz, members of

the Regional Association of National Government Executives, and prominent

families from the Assumption Alumna (Iloilo) Association Inc.

Camp Macario has also become a favorite weekend resort for media practitioners from

Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Aklan.

All visitors must plant tree seedlings before they can engage in any activity inside

the camp. The seedlings are planted in a 300-hectare reforestation area which camp

authorities are developing.

Wildlife sanctuary

Camp Peralta has been declared a wildlife sanctuary. Cutting and burning of trees and

hunting of any kind are strictly prohibited.

Somewhere in the wild are white spotted deer, turtles and birds of different species.

A mountain resort called the ''Kalikasan Village'' has been carved out in one of the

peaks, overlooking the vast reservation area. Cottages made of indigenous materials

are available for overnight stay.

An hour's trek downhill to the north of the reservation are the three-tiered natural

waterfalls. Visitors can take a dip in the pools at the foot of the cascading falls.

On top of a hill to the west is a grotto of the Virgin Mary. Down 240 steps from the

grotto is a small promenade area where one can enjoy nature's breath-taking scenery.

A hiking route around Kalikasan Village is provided by camp administrators. There

are man-made ponds from streams along the mountainside, where hito (catfish) is

cultured.

Camp Macario also serves neighboring communities with its community chapel,

hospital and sports facilities. The grounds close to the newly painted buildings are

well-maintained and the roads are paved.

Water from the taps comes from underground and open sources piped into a water

purification facility.

The camp also has an emergency power source. Communication facilities, like cable

TV, telephone lines and cellular phones are linked to different cell sites in Panay.

Harmony

Garcia said the improvement of camp facilities was started six years ago. Over the

years, military personnel have established cordial and harmonious relationship with

the government officials and residents of Tapaz and Jamindan.

The 3rd Army Infantry Division has also been helping nearby communities to find

better sources of livelihood, Garcia said. Corporate officials have been receptive to

proposals to set up livelihood projects for the communities, he added.