JHMC starts program for multiple use of John Hay

By Pamela Mariz Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY – The John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC) is now enforcing a program as part of its forest protection effort to ensure sustainable multiple uses of the watershed inside the former United States military rest and recreation facility.

 Allan Garcia, JHMC president and chief executive officer, on Wednesday reported that during the first six months of the year, various programs were pursued to continue protecting the forest cover of the Camp John Hay forest reservation. 

 He said JHMC, a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the estate manager of the entire Camp John Hay Reservation here, oversees all developments inside the sprawling 695-hectare prime property and in the process, protects, conserves and enhances the forest reservation.

 Garcia reported that according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera record, John Hay has a high percentage of forest area covering 53 percent of the green-lined cover of the city followed by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) reservation with 21 percent and Busol Forest area with eight percent of forest cover in Baguio City.

To preserve the trees within the reservation, Garcia said JHMC conducted forest management programs with the inclusion of the conduct of tree surgery at the Secret Garden and pest and disease infestation management of infected Benguet pine trees.

 The government-owned and controlled corporation also pursues the National Greening Program (NGP) under which it was able to plant a total of 1,325 different tree seedlings.

During the period, Garcia said JHMC has commenced the application for certification on environmental management system, and is working to obtain its ISO 14001:2015.

 JHMC has laid down a system that helps it identify, manage, monitor and control the environment and map out a framework that can provide assurance to company management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environment impact is being measured and improved.

 John Hay has become a premier tourist and investment destination enforcing efficient and effective regulation, contributing to national economic growth and job generation.  -- PNA