Sustainability in action: John Hay Golf uses treated wastewater for irrigation
Looking forward, John Hay Golf continues to focus on environmental responsibility as it grows alongside the Camp John Hay community
Daily TribuneLooking forward, John Hay Golf continues to focus on environmental responsibility as it grows alongside the Camp John Hay community
Golfplus Management Inc. president Bong Arguelles keeps John Hay Golf in pristine condition.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RB
The newly-renovated driving range at John Hay Golf in Baguio City.
The toughest hole — a par-4 — at John Hay Golf in Baguio City.
The John Hay Golf Course — located in the picturesque Camp John Hay in Baguio City — has renewed its commitment to sustainability by using water from its sewage treatment plant to irrigate the golf course. This eco-friendly initiative, which has been in place for years, went awry when equipment was not maintained and systems malfunctioned.
But the new administration spent money on new pumps and improvements to the facility to make the system reliable.
Bong Arguelles, Golfplus Management Inc. president, explained that using treated wastewater for irrigation has been part of the long-term vision to conserve water resources while maintaining the course’s lush greens.
“This initiative is a sustainable solution that reduces our reliance on potable water. By using treated wastewater, we’re not only preserving a precious resource, but also minimizing our environmental impact,” Arguelles said.
Using treated wastewater for irrigation has always been part of John Hay Golf’s sustainability strategy. Under previous leadership, the sewer treatment plant was built to manage wastewater generated from the growing community of hotels and residences in Camp John Hay.
Unfortunately, the project was saddled by outdated equipment and insufficient maintenance, which resulted in system malfunctions that hindered its effectiveness.
“The infrastructure was in place, but the lack of proper upkeep meant that the system wasn’t running at full capacity,” Arguelles said. “There were issues with the pumps and filtration units that led to the system being unreliable and inefficient.”
However, the current administration recognized the project’s potential and prioritized restoring the sewer treatment plant’s functionality. The golf course invested in brand-new pumps and updated filtration systems to ensure consistent and efficient wastewater treatment.
The renewed focus on sustainability at John Hay Golf comes at a time when the area is experiencing a surge in hotel bookings and residential occupancy.
As more tourists flock to Baguio City, particularly to stay in the hotels within Camp John Hay, the volume of wastewater has increased, providing a more reliable source for irrigation.
“With higher occupancy rates in the hotels and more families moving into the area, we’ve been able to allocate funds toward upgrading our sewer treatment plant,” Arguelles said. “This ensures that the system operates efficiently, providing a consistent and reliable source of irrigation water for the golf course.”
Arguelles also noted that treated wastewater benefits not only the golf course but also farms located below the city, helping to support local agriculture.
The investment in new pumps has enabled the treatment plant to process wastewater effectively, which is then used to irrigate the golf course’s expansive grounds. This has allowed the course to maintain its lush landscape more sustainably and cost-effectively, even during the dry season, without putting additional pressure on the city’s potable water supply.
Looking forward, John Hay Golf continues to focus on environmental responsibility as it grows alongside the Camp John Hay community. Arguelles expressed that sustainability remains at the heart of the golf course’s operations.
“We are committed to maintaining a balance between enjoying the natural beauty of Camp John Hay and ensuring that we are responsible stewards of the environment,” he said.
The golf course’s investment in a modern, efficient sewer treatment system is just one step in a broader effort to integrate green technologies and practices, including water-saving irrigation techniques, to reduce its ecological footprint.
By investing in sustainable infrastructure, John Hay Golf is setting a positive example for other recreational facilities in the country, showing that innovation and commitment to environmental stewardship can lead to long-term success.