Camp John Hay, Baguio City — The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) formalized their partnership today, July 7, 2025, through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) at the Old JHMC Office. The MOUs encompass joint initiatives for the LEARN EcoPark, the Philippine Bambusetum, and a restoration project aimed at revitalizing key areas such as Scout Hill and the Yellow Trail.
The MOU was signed by JHMC President and Chief Executive Officer Manjit T. Singh Reandi, and ERDB Director Lormelyn E. Claudio, CESO III, witnessed by JHMC Board Chairperson Jose Emmanuelle Guillermo and ERDB-CAR Center Head Minda Odsey.
This teamwork will be based on science-driven conservation initiatives throughout the 625-hectare Camp John Hay (CJH) reservation, recognized as a critical watershed area and one of the last strongholds of Baguio City’s iconic pine forests in Northern Luzon.
Strengthening Partnerships for Biodiversity
Director Claudio emphasized ERDB’s optimism and resolve to keep the momentum going. “Camp John Hay is not just a popular destination—it is rich in biodiversity. This MOU marks the beginning of a shared responsibility built on sustainability, knowledge exchange, and intergenerational stewardship,” she said.
She underscored the need for youth engagement, awareness of species thriving in the area, and a proactive climate response. “We welcome this movement and affirm our shared legacy to protect this natural heritage.”
Moving Toward a World-Class Biodiversity Hub
President Singh Reandi affirmed that the MOU is only the beginning. “Ultimately, we will pursue a Memorandum of Agreement to implement concrete action plans. With privilege comes responsibility—and protecting this forest reserve is a privilege we share with the Filipino people,” he said.
He added that with ERDB’s technical expertise in watershed management, biodiversity monitoring, and forest regeneration, Camp John Hay can evolve into a climate-resilient ecological model. “Let this be the benchmark of a vibrant ecosystem at the heart of Baguio, driven by science, collaboration, and a deep respect for nature.”
Embedding Biodiversity in Corporate Mandate
In a decisive move to embed environmental governance into the operational core of the John Hay Management Corporation, Chairperson Jose Emmanuelle Guillermo formally proposed to the JHMC Board the establishment of a Board Committee on Environmental Stewardship and Biodiversity. The creation of this high-level committee institutionalizes environmental protection as a strategic imperative—ensuring that all corporate initiatives are guided by science-based conservation principles and aligned with national environmental priorities and global sustainable development goals.
“This committee will serve as the policy-driving arm of the Board in safeguarding the ecological integrity of Camp John Hay,” Chairperson Guillermo emphasized. “It signals our unwavering commitment to operationalizing sustainability across all functions of JHMC—from project evaluation and land use planning to resource management and stakeholder engagement.”
