Water shortage at CJH; Magalong asks BCDA to settle unpaid obligation

JHMC Photo

Baguio City—Water scarcity is an increasing problem at Camp John Hay.

The problem arose when the Bases Conversion and Development Authority unlawfully took over the former American rest and recreation facility last January, based on the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling, and then decided to terminate the services of John Hay Water Systems Inc., which used to provide CJH with a continuous supply 24/7.

The state agency transferred the services to a different concessionaire. Yet, the move backfired as the present provider has no technical knowledge on how to run the camp’s water flow system. Due to poor management and maintenance, John Hay has no choice but to ration water so as not to disrupt hotel and golf operations.

This utility mess comes on the heels of another setback as re-elected Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has written BCDA and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) seeking an update on the LGU’s request for payment of its unpaid balance from the operation of John Hay as a Special Economic Zone worth a staggering P225-million.

The amount covers P56 million from gross income and P161 million from net income, according to the city’s entitlement based on City Council Resolution No. 362-1994 entitled Setting the Conditionalities in the formulation by BCDA of the Master Development Plan for Club John Hay.

The City Council Resolution includes nineteen (19) conditionalities that were set to protect the interest and welfare of Baguio City and its residents. One particular item, Conditionality No. 9, clearly states that the BCDA must ensure “equitable revenue sharing.”

As early as June 2024, Mayor Magalong already wrote BCDA on Baguio City’s intention to collect the unpaid obligation. On June 18, 2025, another communication was sent to BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua Bingcang and JHMC President and CEO Manjit Singh Reandi, specifically for an update on the city’s request. ###