11 August 2026

Benguet State University and Landco Pacific signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to conduct research on earthballing and tree replantation. This is to improve the survival of trees affected by development activities at Camp John Hay Hotels, Baguio City.

The agreement provides for the implementation of the research project titled “Application of a Three-Way Factorial Experimental Design in Assessing the Survival Performance of Earthballed Tree Species for Improved Tree Conservation and Protection.”

Landco President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of incorporating sustainability in every development undertaken by the company.

BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan likewise highlighted the importance of perseverance in conducting research, noting that results cannot be expected immediately, much like trees that do not grow significantly within a month or six months.

Under the MOA, BSU will lead the research and oversee its implementation, including the development of the experimental design and statistical methodology, monitoring of transplanted trees, data collection and analysis, and preparation of research outputs.

The university will also provide technical expertise in forestry, silviculture, and environmental science and ensure that the research activities comply with applicable ethical, environmental, and institutional standards.

Landco will provide access to the designated study site and assume the research’s funding requirements. The company will also coordinate site access, provide or arrange necessary equipment and qualified personnel, and support environmental and safety measures during implementation.

The study will examine the survival, growth performance, and physiological condition of trees subjected to earth balling and transplantation. The research is intended to generate scientific data that can improve tree transplantation practices and support environmental conservation.

Following the MOA signing, representatives from BSU and Landco held a meeting and fellowship to discuss schedules, experiences, and practices in tree earth balling and transplantation, as well as arrangements for the succeeding activities under the agreement.

The discussion also provided an opportunity for the parties to align their respective roles and coordinate the implementation of the research.// CDDeguzman