The premier real estate development arm of the Manuel V. Pangilinan Group, Landco Pacific Corporation, was named as the interim manager of Camp John Hay’s legacy hotels, The Manor and Forest Lodge, as well as the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center. 

In a press statement of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority on Wednesday, it said that several major players have already begun to pour in investments in Camp John Hay, reflecting the business sector’s confidence in the BCDA’s track record as a steward of development and in John Hay’s potential as an ecotourism destination.

Aside from Landco, 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 in 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-sqm. property to continue serving as a prime destination for leisure and dining in Baguio City, intending to pursue improvements and redevelopment plans in its leased property to maximize economic activities in the area. 

The BCDA further disclosed that 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-sqm. lot and with Top Taste and Trading Inc., a specialty cafe and restaurant for the lease of an 800 sqm. 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.  

By the Supreme Court ruling, the implementation of the writ of execution and notice to vacate was carried on by the court sheriff. 

P10-B investments seen

Meanwhile, BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang said they are now moving forward with plans to unleash the full potential of this economic zone, with investments seen to reach P10 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 Bingcang.

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

According to 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 to the ecozone.

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

Moreover, the BCDA top official maintained that they are committed to enhancing 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. 

On the other hand, 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.