Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the local government aims for a smooth management transition at Camp John Hay’s leased area and the recognition of provisions.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) took over the management of Camp John Hay’s 240-hectare leased property from Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) on Monday as per a Supreme Court decision issued October 2024.

In a media interview Tuesday, Magalong said he has been in touch with BCDA chairperson Hilario Paredes and chief executive officer and president Joshua Bingcang, John Hay Management chairperson Marlo Ignacio Cuadra, and CJHDevCo officials.

He said local government officials hope to sit down with BCDA officials on the issue of the city’s share in the property under the 19 conditions laid out when the national government, in the 1990s, allowed the lease of the former United States military rest and recreation facility for development.

Among the 19 conditions, which have yet to be complied with, are the segregation of several established villages surrounding or within the reservation in Camp John Hay and the city’s share from the lease rentals which, based on disputed computations, has reached about a billion pesos.

Magalong said workers at Camp John Hay do not need to worry because only the general managers of The Manor, Forest Lodge, Golf Club House and Cap Convention are affected.

“Lower than that position, stable lahat (all are stable),” he added.

In a separate interview, Baguio Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said they wish the best on the John Hay issue.

“We have to respect the Supreme Court’s decision as law abiding citizens. We also have to ensure that all rights are protected and that the workers will be able to continue working,” she said.

Real estate developer LandCo Pacific, in a press statement, said it “has committed to the interim management of The Manor and Forest Lodge of Camp John Hay, including the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.”

“This is to assist the Bases Conversion and Development Authority in transitioning the properties to a new private partner once they are ready to be awarded for long-term lease management arrangement,” it said.

“We have assembled a highly capable team to make sure that these legacy properties are protected and enhanced as cornerstones of Baguio history and tourism. Staff and guests need not worry,” it added. (PNA)