BCDA unveils multibillion-peso redevelopment of Baguio's Camp John Hay

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is pursuing a multibillion-peso redevelopment of Camp John Hay in Baguio City, seeking more private-sector partnerships to improve the former American military base.

According to BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang, the agency plans to bid out the long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for John Hay Golf by the end of the year.

“Not just O&M, but we will also require at least P500 million of improving, so the investor has to shell out at least P500 million of improvement works for the golf course,” he told reporters in Baguio City.

The golf course — which covers 5,517 yards with amenities such as conference rooms, a veranda, and locker rooms with a jacuzzi and sauna — is currently being managed by the consortium of Golfplus Management Inc. and DuckWorld Philippines.

Also to be bidded out are the long-term O&M contracts for two major hotels — John Hay Hotels Garden Wing, formerly The Manor at Camp John Hay, and Forest Wing, formerly The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay.

The hotels are under the management of Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), a subsidiary of Landco Pacific Corp., among the first agreements signed by the BCDA when it took control of Camp John Hay in January 2025.

“We foresee at least P1 billion capex (capital expenditure) investment, additional hotel rooms in that area. So you’ll see and refurbishing of the facility. And also in our next board (meeting), we’re gonna also invest on the water supply,” Bingcang said.

“We’ll be bringing on more capacity by coming up with the water system of increasing the water supply by 700 cubic meters per day, amounting to P80 million. Kasi problema ‘yung pressure ng tubig sa loob ng (Because the pressure of water is a problem inside) John Hay,” he added.

Bingcang said the BCDA is also looking to spend P150 million for a steel parking facility within Camp John Hay. It will initially have two stories, with provision to increase to four levels.

Visitors who visit the camp will then be given transportation through an electric vehicle shuttle service that will loop around designated stations. The service had a six-month trial period starting July 2025, and is set to resume before the holiday season.

On energy, Bingcang said Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) submitted a P1.5-billion unsolicited proposal to improve power supply in Camp John Hay by transferring overhead utility cables underground.

“We hope to conclude the negotiations within the year, and it will be subjected to a Swiss challenge,” he said.

BCDA of Camp John Hay in January 2025, after the Baguio Regional Trial Court upheld the Supreme Court ruling and dismissed Camp John Hay Development Corp.’s (CJH DevCo) appeal, preventing the property's full return.

Under the order, all land and improvements in the property, whether directly held by CJH DevCo., its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, or occupied/held by other individuals or parties claiming rights under them, must be turned over to the BCDA.

The BCDA earlier said it is aiming to attract P10 billion in investments following the takeover, as it plans to offer 70 hectares of untapped land in the area to the private sector. –NB, GMA News