Camp John Hay, Baguio City—John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) gathered all relevant stakeholders on the Stakeholders Forum and Consultation for the crafting of the Camp John Hay Trail Guidelines and Etiquette at the Bell House, Camp John Hay, on April 3, 2025. Representatives from Kabadyo, Wildlife, Hillsford Property, Environmental Management Bureau – CAR, Benguet State University, Northern Exotic, ERDB-WWRRDEC, Intrepid Spirit, and UP-Baguio attended the event. The forum focused on discussing the maintenance of the trails and the etiquette in trailing.
Atty. Marlo Ignacio V. Quadra, JHMC President and CEO, in his opening remarks, took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of balancing tourism and upholding the laws of the land as a symbol of commitment to environmental stewardship. He encouraged all stakeholders to work together to protect the environment and recognized community engagements in realizing this strategy, which aims to benefit both the ecosystem and the community.
Trail aficionados and outdoor activity enthusiasts, Mr. Robert John Watson and Mr. Arthur Joseph Paul Alipio, shared their insights and experiences on trail management and development. Watson emphasized the significance of trail development anchored on sustainability principles. He pitched how to obtain funding for the trail maintenance activities by implementing access control measures inside Camp John Hay, enhancing both security and resource allocation.
Alipio, on the other hand, underscored the trail’s economic potential, suggesting that trail drives could serve as a way to promote both natural appreciation and economic growth. He said that the main goal of the trails is to serve dual purposes: sightseeing services and economic stimulation.
During the open forum, stakeholders tackled a range of issues, including funding challenges, natural resource preservation, and trail maintenance. United by their shared commitment to ecological sustainability and responsible tourism, they expressed a strong willingness to collaborate in developing rules and protocols that promote responsible trail use while safeguarding the natural beauty of Camp John Hay.
The activity was led by the JHMC-Environment Management Division, headed by Engr. Editha M. Mejia.
From left to right: Robert Watson, Atty. Marlo Ignacio V. Quadra, JHMC President and CEO, Arthur Joseph Paul Alipio during the Stakeholders Forum and Consultation for the crafting of the Camp John Hay Trail Guidelines and Etiquette at the Bell House, Camp John Hay
Engr. Editha M. Mejia facilitated the discussion on the strict, non-negotiable guidelines for trail etiquette, emphasizing proper waste disposal, designated hiking paths, prevention of damage to vegetation and trees, minimization of soil disturbance, noise control, and effective tree protection measures.
