Landco Pacific Corporation and Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), the hospitality and leisure real estate arm of the Metro Pacific Investment Corporation (MPIC Group), reinforced their commitment to environmental stewardship through John Hay Hotels, 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 , helping preserve the natural heritage that defines Baguio as the City of Pines.
“Sustainability is just 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’s there naturally and support the communities around us, we’re really just making sure these destinations are still worth visiting decades from now,” Manzano added.
Through John Hay Hotels, Landco Pacific and LLV put this into practice in Baguio. “Baguio is home for this hotel, so looking after it matters just as much as looking after our guests. Every tree we plant, every Benguet Pine seedling we give away, that’s us investing in Baguio’s future. If it gets our employees, our guests, and the community thinking a little more about protecting this place, and falling a little more in love with it, then it’s done its 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 for 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 delivered through John Hay Hotels that helps restore green spaces while promoting environmental awareness and long-term 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 shaped 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. The 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 — delivered 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 helped showcase Cordillera-inspired cuisine while highlighting the work of local food artisans, farmers, and producers. John Hay Hotels has also featured locally sourced and crafted Kokomo Artisan Chocolate, introducing guests to the distinctive flavors and creative enterprise 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) commitment 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 encourage 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, biodiversity, and the community’s shared commitment to protecting them.
