BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Camp John Hay is now fully back in government hands, marking a new era of accessibility and improvement for the iconic mountain retreat.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), together with its private partners, has opened the legacy estates inside the 625-hectare economic zone to the public, promising better facilities and enhanced services.
The establishments include The John Hay Hotels (formerly The Manor and The Forest Lodge) and John Hay Golf.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang emphasized that Camp John Hay is no longer a private enclave but a world-class destination for all Filipinos.
“We want to emphasize that Camp John Hay is not only back to the government’s possession—it is now back to the Filipino people,” Bingcang said. “With this, we want to ensure that all Filipinos can enjoy the world-class leisure destinations within the camp while maintaining and improving the facilities and services.”
John Hay Golf: Premier course now open to the public
John Hay Golf has long been regarded as a premier course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. However, it previously catered only to a select group of golfers. Under BCDA’s new management, it is now open to the public, allowing more Filipinos to experience its challenging fairways and pristine greens.
BCDA has appointed a consortium of GolfPlus Management Incoporated and DuckWorld PH to oversee the interim management of the course.
“Everything should be the best — not just the golf course but also the clubhouse and other facilities, because that’s part of the whole experience,” said GMI president Eduardo Arguelles, who has managed other premier golf estates.
Planned upgrades include rehabilitating the irrigation system which is critical for maintaining course quality. BCDA also aims to bid out a long-term operations and maintenance contract this year to ensure continued improvements.
“The objective is to make it the best golf course in the Philippines and keep it accessible to the public,” Bingcang added.
John Hay Hotels: Seamless transition, world-class stay
As part of the transition, Landco Pacific Corporation, the real estate and hospitality arm of the MVP Group, has taken over interim management of The John Hay Hotels.
Despite the changes in management, services at the hotels remained uninterrupted, thanks to careful planning and cooperation between the government and private sector.
“Even during a challenging period of transition, BCDA and Landco Pacific made sure that tourists and hotel visitors were not affected. The hotels remained open, and services did not cease even for a single minute,” said Patrick Gregorio, head of Landco Lifestyle Ventures.
Gregorio praised the professionalism of hotel employees, who ensured a smooth transition that did not affect guest experiences. Landco has pledged to preserve the charm of Camp John Hay while strengthening Baguio’s tourism industry, introducing improvements that maintain the hotels’ reputation as premier mountain retreats.
“We are here to help preserve the charm of Camp John Hay and strengthen Baguio’s tourism industry. And in turn, we are also helping transform local communities and spur economic opportunities so that progress is felt by all,” Gregorio said.
These initiatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption, and climate action. By implementing infrastructure improvements and attracting high-impact investments, BCDA envisions Camp John Hay as a model for sustainable urban development, one that promotes responsible tourism, green spaces, and inclusive economic opportunities for local communities.
In addition to boosting tourism, the redevelopment of Camp John Hay is expected to generate employment, support local businesses, and increase government revenue, ultimately benefiting the people of Baguio and Benguet. However, BCDA has assured that any development will be mindful of the city’s carrying capacity, ensuring that Camp John Hay remains a green and livable space for future generations. – Rappler.com