The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Tuesday vowed for a smooth transition of the 200 hectare (ha) leased area of Camp John Hay from the private developer to ensure a win-win situation.
This, after the Supreme Court (SC) issued a resolution in October ordering Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) and third parties to turn over the leased premises to the government through the BCDA.
Joshua Bingcang, BCDA president and chief executive officer, in a media interview at Camp John Hay on Tuesday said, “It will be a smooth turnover.”
“We don’t want something that will instill fear or doubt to the public. We don’t want them to be affected with the activities we will be pursuing,” he said.
Bingcang assured all parties that they will be given due consideration, including the more than one hundred businesses in the area.
“We want to make sure that all those involved in the development will be given due accord to their contribution in the past,” he said.
“Kung dati ay meron na lang silang ilang taon na natitira, if they sign a new agreement with BCDA, it will be a fresh 25 years or more depende sa kalagayan ng kanilang presence dito (Even if they only have a few years left, signing a new agreement with BCDA might give them a fresh 25 years or more depending on the condition of their presence),” he said.
“They need to come forward and forge a new partnership with BCDA if they want to have a continued presence. They should recognize that this is a public land (and) the benefits of which should be enjoyed by the public.”
First to recognize
Bingcang said the operator of Le Monet Hotel has signed an agreement with BCDA.
He said the goal is to further reap the livelihood and employment benefits from the place with the establishment of more businesses but taking into utmost consideration the protection of the forest.
“More developments, more job opportunities in this beautiful place,” he added.
BCDA will review Camp John Hay’s development plan since it is already outdated.
“We want a long term plan, with the improvements to be sustainable and balanced since John Hay is among the few remaining green areas in Baguio,” Bingcang said.
He said they might invite developers for, among others, a mass transportation to address the traffic congestion in the area.
“We do not want to neglect such an issue but wants a development where people can continue to enjoy the place,” he added. (PNA)