THE BASES CONVERSION and Development Authority (BCDA) will auction within the year the long-term operations and management (O&M) of an 18-hole golf course and two hotels in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
At a briefing last week, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joshua M. Bingcang said the auction is scheduled fly the end of the year.
He said the BCDA is currently looking at a 25-year contract for the O&M of John Hay Golf, which is being managed by the consortium of Golfplus Management, Inc. and DuckWorld Philippines until this year.
“The investor has to shell out at least P500 million worth of improvement works for the golf course,” Mr. Bingcang said.
The 5,517-yard course includes amenities like conference rooms, a veranda, and locker rooms with a jacuzzi and sauna.
Also for bidding this quarter is the long-term management of John Hay Hotels Garden Wing (formerly The Manor at Camp John Hay) and Forest Wing (previously known as The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay).
“We foresee at least P1 billion capex (capital expenditure) investment, additional hotel rooms in that area, and the refurbishing of the facility,” he added.
The John Hay hotels are currently under the management of Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), a subsidiary of Landco Pacific Corp.
Mr. Bingcang said Landco Pacific has expressed interest in the long-term O&M deal for the two hotels.
“They have to bid… They have an advantage because they know the numbers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the BCDA is in talks with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for a possible partnership to improve the management of the power supply in Camp John Hay, Mr. Bingcang said.
“We hope to conclude the negotiations within the year, and it will be subjected to a Swiss challenge,” he noted.
The proposal includes moving the overhead utility cables underground, with the improvements estimated to cost P1.5 billion.
The BCDA is also looking to establish a water distribution system to ensure stable water supply inside Camp John Hay.
“We’re coming up with a water system that will increase supply by 700 cubic meters per day amounting to P80 million,” he said.
A court ruling allowed the BCDA to take over the 246-hectare Camp John Hay estate in 2025, covering the John Hay hotels, golf course, CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Commander’s Cottage, open spaces, and other areas. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz