The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) formally welcomed delegates of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Cordillera Caravan at the historic Bell House in Camp John Hay, which served as the launch venue for the event.
Led by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the distinguished delegation included DOT-Cordillera Regional Director Jovita Ganongan; H.E. Makawati, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand; H.E. Lai Thai Binh, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Dr. Chanaka Harsha Talpahewa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka; H.E. Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, Ambassador of Bangladesh; Madame Akiko Endo, spouse of the Ambassador of Japan; Mr. Mohd Faizal Sharip, Tourism Attaché of Malaysia; Mr. Seok Liang, Tourism Attaché of Cambodia; and the Economic Counselor of the Embassy of France. Representatives from tourism associations, tour operators, media organizations, and partner agencies also joined the celebration.
The event marked a cultural milestone, showcasing Cordilleran heritage through traditional dances, indigenous arts, and community pride. In his welcome address, JHMC President and CEO Manjit T. Singh Reandi expressed deep appreciation to Secretary Frasco and the DOT for selecting Camp John Hay as the starting point of the Cordillera leg of the PEP.
Paying tribute to transformation, Singh Reandi remarked, “Our Western or cowboy theme this morning pays homage to the Camp’s early 1900s lifestyle—marked by horseback riding, rustic gatherings, and a close relationship with the mountain landscape. It reflects a time when life here was simple, connected to nature, and shaped by frontier camaraderie.”
Singh Reandi also led Secretary Frasco on a brief heritage tour, highlighting the Camp John Hay Historical Core—including the totem pole and the historical marker issued by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which commemorates the Bell House and the Bell Amphitheatre as key architectural remnants of the American colonial period in Camp John Hay.
A key highlight of the program was the ceremonial awarding of kits to DOT-accredited tour guides and Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) speakers. The initiative, spearheaded by Secretary Frasco, reaffirmed the DOT’s commitment to empowering tourism frontliners and elevating service standards nationwide.
The Philippine Experience Program is a flagship initiative of the DOT that celebrates Filipino identity while promoting sustainable cultural tourism. JHMC’s active participation in the program underscores its dedication to preserving Cordilleran heritage, fostering inclusive community engagement, and driving regional economic growth through tourism.
In closing, Singh Reandi affirmed, “Under the stewardship of JHMC, Camp John Hay continues to serve as a model for heritage preservation and sustainable tourism. We strive to protect its environment, preserve its stories, and share its lessons with the next generation.”
