Investments in Camp John Hay in Baguio City soared to Php 1 billion since the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) recovery of the property in January 2025. This reflects the business sector’s trust and confidence in BCDA’s track record and its plans of transforming the iconic destination into a premier ecotourism and investment hub.
BCDA reported that it had already signed 75 residential and commercial lease agreements in Camp John Hay, totaling around Php 1 billion in investments. This milestone enables BCDA to bring in more job and economic opportunities to the local community and contribute more to the state coffers.
Some of the major industry players and small- and medium-enterprises that have already begun to pour in investments in Camp John Hay are Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) subsidiary Landco Pacific Corporation, Stern Real Estate Development Corporation, Amare La Cucina, Golfplus Management Inc. (GMI), DuckWorld Philippines, and Top Taste Trading Inc.
Of the 75 contracts signed in two months, 70 were residential lease agreements signed with local and foreign nationals, including Koreans, while the remaining were commercial lease agreements.
“Numbers don’t lie. Breaching a billion mark in just two months is proof that Camp John Hay is thriving as more and more investors are seeing its potential of becoming the country’s next ecotourism and investment hub under the management of BCDA,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. “More exciting things will be announced soon, as we set to close more contracts and deals in the next weeks.”
Several guests and visitors said they noticed improvements in amenities and services since BCDA took over, in partnership with MPIC subsidiary Landco Pacific Corporation as the interim manager of the John Hay Hotels, and the consortium of GMI and DuckWorld PH overseeing the operations and maintenance of John Hay Golf.
“As we bring in economic opportunities that will benefit everyone, we want to assure the local community that we will protect and preserve the vast forested area and open spaces of Camp John Hay,” said Engr. Bingcang.
As a testament to this, Engr. Bingcang said BCDA is conducting a review of the comprehensive master plan of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) to align it with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the BCDA is in coordination with the Baguio City Government on improving jogging trails and pedestrian lanes, installing solar street lights, and establishing a smart transport system.
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.