Shortly after the contract signing environmental experts were called in to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the development project. Various issues and concerns were determined through a Scoping Session held 21 January 1997; awareness and perception survey and focused-group consultations from January to March 1997; and a Public Consultation held 05 April 1997.

Resort facilities continued to be open to the public until June 1997, when hotel operations closed down in preparation for the construction stage.

By July, CJH DevCo had publicly and successfully demonstrated the use of its hydraulic tree spade for balling pine trees. The two experimental trees remain healthy and robust to date.

A month later, August 1997, a 'walkthrough' site inspection of the project area was held with DENR Secretary Victor 0. Ramos, local government officials, DENR representatives and key protesting groups in attendance. The walk-through brought to light new issues and concerns which required the submission of additional technical information from C3H DevCo.

A Public Hearing was later conducted at the PFVR Youth Center on September 1997. Based on the subsequent assessment of the EIS, newly-sub comments and additional issues raised during Hearing, EMB-DENR required the submission additional information on the project.

19 October 1997 GETTING THE GREEN LIGHT

CJH DevCo marked its first year anniversary by paying its annual rental to the BCDA in the amount of P425 Million. Earlier, a P250 Million initial deposit had been paid, bringing remittances to the government to a total of P675 Million

CJH DevCo's response to the DENR request for additional information was also submitted to and received by the EMB, one day after its first anniversary.

The following month, EMB again requested for a comprehensive Social Development Program and a sample inventory of small trees, both of which were submitted within the same month.