Advancing destination stewardship through conservation, community partnerships, and responsible hospitality
Landco Pacific Corporation and Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), the hospitality and leisure real estate arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Group, reinforced their commitment to environmental stewardship through John Hay Hotels by planting 300 trees and supporting the distribution of 500 Benguet pine seedlings in celebration of International Arbor Day and Baguio City’s annual Saleng Festival. These initiatives help preserve the natural heritage that has earned Baguio its distinction as the City of Pines.
“Sustainability is simply part of who Landco is. It’s ingrained in the company’s DNA. We don’t do it because it’s trendy. We do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO of Landco Pacific and Landco Lifestyle Ventures.
“For us, taking care of the environment isn’t separate from the business—it’s how we build something that lasts. You can’t give guests a great experience if you’re not also taking care of the place they came to experience. When we protect what exists naturally and support the communities around us, we’re making sure these destinations remain worth visiting for decades to come,” Manzano added.
Through John Hay Hotels, Landco Pacific and LLV put this philosophy into practice in Baguio.
“Baguio is home to this hotel, so looking after it matters just as much as looking after our guests. Every tree we plant and every Benguet pine seedling we give away is an investment in Baguio’s future. If it inspires our employees, guests, and the community to think a little more about protecting this place—and to fall a little more in love with it—then we’ve done our job,” said Manzano.
These initiatives reflect Landco Pacific and LLV’s belief that caring for the destinations they develop and manage is an essential part of delivering meaningful hospitality, with John Hay Hotels serving as a model of how that philosophy translates into local action.
Stewarding the Country’s Premier Mountain Destination
At the heart of the celebration was “300 Trees, One Shared Mission,” a Landco Pacific and LLV-led tree-planting initiative carried out through John Hay Hotels. The program aims to restore green spaces while promoting environmental awareness and long-term ecological resilience.
Through John Hay Hotels, Landco Pacific and LLV also supported the distribution of Benguet pine seedlings at Malcolm Square, encouraging residents, visitors, and community stakeholders to help preserve the iconic tree species that has long defined Baguio’s landscape.
Celebrating Local Culture Through Hospitality
Extending Landco Pacific and LLV’s destination stewardship philosophy into the guest experience, John Hay Hotels welcomed visitors with complimentary locally grown Benguet cabbages in their rooms. This thoughtful gesture supports local farmers, celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage, and offers guests a meaningful connection to the community beyond their stay.
The initiative builds on Landco Pacific and LLV’s continuing support—through John Hay Hotels—for homegrown enterprises, regional artisans, and local producers. Through previous collaborations such as Baguio Mountain Man, led by Chef Chavi Romawac, the hotel has showcased Cordillera-inspired cuisine while highlighting the work of local food artisans, farmers, and producers. John Hay Hotels has also featured locally sourced and handcrafted Kokomo Artisan Chocolate, introducing guests to the distinctive flavors and craftsmanship of the region.
Together, these initiatives reflect Landco Pacific and LLV’s belief that memorable hospitality extends beyond exceptional service to caring for the destinations they develop, celebrating local culture, and creating lasting value for the communities they serve.
Building a Legacy of Mountain Destination Stewardship
As a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Group, chaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan, Landco advances the group’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments through responsible tourism, conservation, and community partnerships. Across its hospitality and leisure developments, including John Hay Hotels, the company continues to champion initiatives that create lasting value for local communities while helping preserve the destinations entrusted to its care.
Celebrating Nature, Community, and Heritage
International Arbor Day is observed worldwide to promote tree planting and environmental conservation. In Baguio City, it coincides with the annual Saleng Festival, a month-long celebration honoring the Benguet pine, the city’s forests and biodiversity, and the community’s shared commitment to protecting them.
