Camp John Hay investments to soar to P10B under BCDA

Business

Maricar Gay Savella-Villamil                                         

Following its successful recovery of Camp John Hay in Baguio City, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is now moving forward with plans to unleash the full potential of this economic zone, with investments seen to reach Php10 billion.

As its first order of business, the BCDA is conducting a review of the comprehensive master plan of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) to set a redevelopment roadmap that will further elevate the camp’s position as a premier ecotourism destination and make sure that economic benefits are felt across all sectors. 

“Big things are coming after our successful recovery of Camp John Hay. Here, we aim to replicate our successes in Bonifacio Global City and Clark by implementing infrastructure projects that will empower the local community and by bringing in high-impact investments that will enable us to contribute more to the state coffers,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang.

“To achieve this, we will determine areas that need improvement and explore new opportunities for development, all while ensuring the preservation of Baguio’s natural and cultural heritage,” he added. 

According to Engr. Bingcang, the BCDA intends to develop around 70 hectares of untapped land inside the former US military base, to be offered to the private sector under a joint venture scheme. There is also a plan to redevelop the Mile Hi Center to bring better retail and restaurant offerings in the ecozone.

Forested areas and other open spaces will be conserved to protect the natural landscape of Camp John Hay, which is considered as the "last frontier" of the vast forested area within Baguio.

Moreover, the BCDA is committed to enhance public infrastructure inside the camp to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for tourists. This will be done by improving roads, jogging trails, and pedestrian lanes, installing solar street lights, and establishing a smart transport system. 

The BCDA is also reaching out to existing establishments inside the camp to negotiate terms for a fresh contract, providing recourse to affected stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to Camp John Hay and Baguio’s growth.

Businesses set sights on Camp John Hay

Reflecting the business sector’s confidence in the BCDA’s track record as a steward of development and in Camp John Hay’s potential as an ecotourism destination, several major players have already begun to pour in investments in the area. 

Among these is Pangilinan-led Landco Pacific Corporation, which took on the mantle as the interim manager of John Hay’s legacy hotels, The Manor and Forest Lodge, as well as the CAP- John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.  A new consortium consisting of Golfplus Management Inc. (GMI), the operations team behind the driving ranges in premium estates Nuvali and Alviera, and DuckWorld PH, a sports management agency, was also formed to oversee the operations and maintenance of the Camp John Hay golf course during an interim period.

With Landco and GMI-DuckWorld’s expertise and capabilities, the BCDA was able to usher a smooth transition in Camp John Hay, ensuring that tourists, hotel guests, and golfers continue to enjoy the facilities and open spaces. They will also be introducing improvements to these Camp John Hay estates to provide premium facilities and services.

Stern Real Estate and Development Corp., the operator Le Monet Hotel and the Filling Station, also signed a landmark deal with the BCDA, allowing the 2,000-square meter property to continue serving as prime destinations for leisure and dining in Baguio City. The company intends to pursue improvements and redevelopment plans in its leased property to maximize economic activities in the area. 

Small- and medium-scale enterprises, as well as residential lessees, have also started to take part in Camp John Hay’s growth under the BCDA’s stewardship. BCDA finalized separate 15-year commercial lease agreements with Amare La Cucina, Baguio’s most successful homegrown pizza chain, for a 1,500-square-meter lot, and with Top Taste and Trading Inc., a specialty cafe and restaurant, for the lease of an 800-square-meter property in Camp John Hay.

Metro Pacific Investment Corp. Director Victorico “Ricky” Vargas also signed a fresh 25-year residential lease contract with the BCDA for two Forest Cabin Units. 

The BCDA was able to regain control of the Camp John Hay property following a groundbreaking Supreme Court decision, which allowed the recovery of the 247-hectare leased area from CJH Development Corp. In accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, the implementation of the writ of execution and notice to vacate was carried on by the court sheriff.