BCDA marks new era for Camp John Hay

After years of legal battles between state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) led by Robert Sobrepeña, Camp John Hay is entering a new era, with the government regaining control over the property located in the country's summer capital.

- By Louella Desiderio

As BCDA prepares to search for a new private sector partner to unlock the full potential of Camp John Hay, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Landco Pacific Corp. has been tapped for the interim management of the camp's legacy hotels.

Transitions are nothing new for this tourist destination known for its pine trees, scenic trails and breathtaking views, as its history has been marked by changes over the years.

Named after US president Theodore Roosevelt's Secretary of State John Milton Hay, Camp John Hay was established in 1903 and initially served as a vacation and recreation area for American servicemen.

During World War II, Camp John Hay was occupied by the Japanese army and used as a military base.

After the war, it was converted into John Hay Air Base in 1955 and remained under the US until its turnover to the Philippine government in 1991.

With the enactment of Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act, Camp John Hay and other military facilities were placed under the stewardship of the BCDA, which is mandated to transform former US bases into productive use.

In 1994, the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) was established from a portion of land occupied by the former Camp John Hay reservation.

In 1996, the BCDA entered into a 25-year lease agreement with CJHDevCo, Fil-Estate Management Inc. and Penta Capital Investment Corp. for a 247-hectare portion of Camp John Hay.

Under the lease agreement, which was renewable for another 25 years, CJHDevCo was responsible for the development of the leased property. It was also authorized to lease the property to third parties.

At the end of the lease, CJHDevCo will have to turn over the ownership of the improvements to the BCDA.

The plan to turn Camp John Hay into a premier ecotourism destination initially showed promise, with CJHDevCo investing in the development of hotels, luxury residences and a golf course in the area.