Definitive stand of BCDA-JHMC on city’s 19 conditionalities sought
Mayor Benjamin Magalong wants to know the definitive stand of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on the 19 conditionalities set by the city government through Resolution No. 362-1994 when it gave imprimatur to the master development plan for Camp John Hay more than three decades past.
Last June 18, 2025, the mayor wrote Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua Bingcang and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) President and CEO Manjit Singh Reandi reiterating a previous request for their “definitive confirmation of their adherence” to the decades-old but still binding conditionalities.
The mayor said a definitive answer from the bodies is primordial in the thrust to align the development goals of Camp John Hay with those of the city government.
“Your response to our query will provide clearer guidance as our organization charts a more effective, sustainable and cohesive plan for the greater benefit of the communities that depend on our services and rely on our shared resources,” the mayor said.
He clarified that with his query, he does not intend to sow conflict with the BCDA and JHMC like what happened in the past.
“I do not intend to have an adversarial relationship between our organization… (or)… revive the once combative relations between the (City) and the JHMC-BCDA… because this may impede true and inclusive progress. In fact, we are more hopeful now about the prospect of working alongside your organization,” the mayor said.
“However, we find the response of the BCDA crucial in establishing the roles of the BCDA and the City Government of Baguio in harmonizing the development of Camp John Hay with the development goals of Baguio City,” the mayor added.
The 19 conditionalities were adopted by city legislators back in 1994 to protect the interest and welfare of the city government and Baguio City residents when they decided to give their nod to the then proposed master development plan.
The conditionalities were that the BCDA will ensure 1. environment protection in all the developments within the zone; 2. Only wholesome entertainment and recreational activities; 3. Water supply will be sourced outside the city; 4. Provide Baguio and BLISTT residents free access and discounts on use of facilities; 5. Respect laws and legal decisions on ancestral claims; 6. Ensure city government representation in implementing rules governing the zone; 7. Give priority to local business; 8. Retain old employees and give priority to the local labor force; 9. Ensure equitable revenue sharing; 10. Provide additional earnings for the city government; 11. Provide housing for homeless employees; 12. Provide the zone with its own basic services; 13. Manage own peacekeeping services; 14. Exclude all affected barangays from the reservation; 15. Implement sports development, human resource and educational development programs; 16. Effect transfer of ownership of the land and built-up and improved structures to the city government upon expiration of lease agreement; Ensure legality of contracts; 18. Ensure qualified developers; and 19. Abide by timetable of operations.Over the years, conditionalities 9 and 14 which deal on revenue sharing and the segregation of barangays from the Camp John Hay Reservation, proved the most contentious.
Questions on the BCDA-JHMC’s recognition of the conditionalities have also arisen over the years amid changes in administrations on both sides.
“Our own City Council has been consistent in seeking the definitive stand of the BCDA on this matter…At the end of the month, we will have give new members at the City Council, and it is important that they are apprised of the continuing requests of the City With regards to the status of compliance with the 19 conditionalities as we as what can be expected moving forward,” the mayor said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
