BCDA eyes John Hay development into both eco-tourism, techno hub

State-run Bases Conversion and Development Corp. and the new management of John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC) have vowed to implement reforms that will push Camp John Hay to becoming a premier eco-tourism and techno hub complex up north.

In a joint statement, BCDA president Arnel Paciano D. Casanova and newly appointed JHMC president Jamie Manzano-Agbayani said these reforms would improve the overall management of the complex and help realize the goals of transforming Camp John Hay into the country’s “premier mountain tourism haven, promoting a business climate while preserving an ecologically balanced environment and respecting diverse cultures.”

According to the officials, BCDA and JHMC will implement the Tourism and Business Development Plan, which will develop Camp John Hay as an IT Service Export Processing Zone, an Educational Tourism Zone, a Sports and Recreation Center and an Eco-Cultural Tourism Zone.

The government will likewise push for the development of the unleased areas within Camp John Hay and implement enhanced environmental preservation programs.

Casanova and Agbayani vowed to pursue the collection of P2.6 billion worth of unpaid rentals by the Sobrepeña-led Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevco).

Agbayani noted that with such reforms, the government intended to “bring back the glory of Camp John Hay.”

In the meantime, Casanova disclosed that a multi-sectoral initiative was recently instituted.

Also, the “Camp John Hay Advisory Council” was formed. It is a movement of “well-meaning leaders united by a common goal to address specific and general issues concerning the future of Baguio and adjacent localities such as La Trinidad, Benguet, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba (grouped as BLIST) and Tublay,” Casanova said.

Industry leaders who participated in a recent stakeholders’ meeting were of the consensus that Camp John Hay would play a “pivotal role” in the long-term preservation of the Cordillera Region’s rich and diverse culture.

As such, Casanova said “John Hay would focus on sustainable development consistent with the culture, aspirations and visions of the people of Baguio and the Cordillera.”

Camp John Hay, Agbayani added, will serve as a “catalyst for development in the region, considering that its multifaceted involvement impacts on the economic and social growth of the city, the province and the entire region in general.”

Officials further said the draft masterplan for the development of Camp John Hay would be reconfigured in response to the collective sentiment of the residents of Baguio.