BCDA-JHMC joined the Panagbenga Grand Float Parade
In Photo: (Upper left) Atty. Mario Ignacio V. Quadra – President and Chief Executive Officer, JHMC. Photo by: Mario Oclaman //FNS
Join us in an inspiring adventure with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) – John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) Flower Festival Float, a tribute to the natural beauty and heritage of Camp John Hay and a vibrant celebration of nature, tradition, and progress, embodying Camp John Hay as a beacon of sustainable development.
At the heart of the float, two native Cordilleran dancers move gracefully, paying homage to the rich culture of the region. Their elegant attire honors the indigenous peoples, whose heritage has withstood the test of time. This performance, echoing the dances witnessed at Camp John Hay’s Bell Amphitheater over a century ago, symbolizes an unbroken chain to the past.
As the float captivates your gaze, it unfolds like a path that leads to unseen marvels. Dense foliage and colorful flowers entice discovery, while the tall Benguet Pines represent the Filipino people’s strength and tenacity. Their green needles shimmer in the light, forming a peaceful canopy.
Trails winding through the verdant Benguet Pines invite viewers to imagine the tranquil paths of Camp John Hay. Majestic mountains rise, with Mt. Pulag, the “window of mountains,” standing as a symbol of the region’s grandeur and serenity, dominating the float’s backdrop.
The Kennon Road, the rugged mountains, and the bridge all reminded us of our ancestors who built this great city that we all share. The waterfalls and rivers that flow through the float mirror the vital watersheds that help sustain the John Hay reservation community. A cascading waterfall creates tranquility and movement, complemented by the soothing sound of flowing water.
Composed of 53% forest cover in Baguio City, Camp John Hay not only provides water to the neighboring communities but also acts as a major contributor to the flourishing of indigenous plants present there. With such biodiversity, every component tells stories of survival and adaptation, which represents the symbiotic coexistence of nature and human culture.
The BCDA-JHMC float captures Camp John Hay’s journey from wartime history to its current role as a symbol of peace, culture, and community resilience. It is a living testament to preserving cultural heritage and the environment, celebrating the unity that binds the past and present. ###
