What to know about the changes at Camp John Hay under new ownership
Changes are coming at Baguio's popular tourist destination Camp John Hay after it was recently reclaimed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
This was after an October 2024 Supreme Court decision nullified the lease agreement with Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo), allowing the BCDA to regain control of facilities such as The Manor, The Forest Lodge, Camp John Hay Golf Club, and other spaces beginning January 6.
"This victory is a win for the Filipino people as it paves the path for exciting investments and projects that will drive socioeconomic opportunities and protects the interests of all," said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang in a statement.
"As we open new doors of opportunity, more businesses may reinvest their capital in Camp John Hay and build upon the workforce; all while ensuring that the environmental and cultural integrity of the area are preserved and protected," he added.
What changes will take place?
Under the new ownership, the BCDA announced plans for significant facility improvements, partnering with various groups to oversee their implementation.
"Several months back, we already invited several credible private developers to partner with us for a short-term arrangement to make sure that there will be [a] smooth transition, business continuity, and business as usual inside Camp John Hay," Bingcang said in an interview with ONE News.
Among these is the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) Group, which will serve as interim manager for some key facilities of Camp John Hay under a renewable six-month contract.
"We will provide better services and better employment opportunities para sa mga tao dito sa Baguio City," Bingcang said.
According to him, one of the planned changes includes the enhancement of public infrastructure, with a specific focus on improving pedestrian lanes.
"Nakikita ko ngayon maliit 'yung mga pedestrian lanes, delikado sa mga tao so as a service to the public, we want to to put the proper standard itong mga pedestrian lane para mas ma-enjoy ng mga nagjo-jogging," Bingcang said. "I really want to make sure that people who are going to Baguio will enjoy these kinds of services."
"Ang isa pang gagawin namin is to light up the area that needs proper illumination," he added.
When it comes to the hotels inside the property such as The Manor and Forest Lodge, Landco Pacific Corporation—which is part of the MVP Group—is expected to come up with recommendations on how to upgrade the hotels.
Bingcang also discussed the planned renovation of the Mile Hi Center, a popular hub for restaurants, shops, and souvenir stores.
"It's in a sad state now, but we already received proposals to renovate and upgrade the facility. Immediately this first quarter, ginagawa na namin ng award 'yung project na 'yun and other areas. We will continue to improve the facilities para mas maraming opportunity and choices ang ating citizen and public when they when they enter Camp John Hay," he explained.
Issue with existing golf members
Members of the Camp John Hay Golf Club initially saw an issue with BCDA's takeover as it would affect their playing privileges and filed a lawsuit to prevent them from gaining control of the property.
However, the members have now withdrawn their legal case after they reached an agreement with the BCDA, which will allow active members to continue with their playing privileges for a monthly fee of P5,000, eliminating additional green fees.
Bingcang regarded this as a "positive step" towards the smooth transition of the Camp John Hay Golf Course.
"We want to assure the public that new and former players will continue to enjoy premium golf course services and that the workforce will be taken care of by our new interim partners, Golfplus and DuckWorldPH," he said.
Camp John Hay was formerly a military base of the United States Armed Forces before it was made into a human resource development hub and forest watershed reservation. The site eventually became the popular tourist attraction it is today.
New guidelines
With the new ownership, the Camp John Hay Golf Club will also now be under the management of the BCDA. Loyal patrons will now have the option to purchase playing rights for a monthly fee of P5,000. This provides playing rights with no green fees and a P500 food and beverage credit valid for six months.
Spouses and dependents of loyal patrons (up to 18 years old) and junior golfers below 17 years old are eligible for a 50% discount on green fees, which are P3,000 on weekdays and P4,000 on weekends.
Eligible patrons can pay a one-time fee of P40,000 to access the golf estate during the six-month interim management period. If the interim period is extended, they can renew their access at the updated fee, as long as they maintain a good standing.
Additional fees for all golfers include P1,000 for golf carts, P80 for insurance, P600 for caddies for 18 holes, and P400 for caddies for nine holes.
