BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — More than a year after the government regained control of Camp John Hay, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is preparing to bid out the long-term management of John Hay Golf, one of the estate’s most prominent assets.

BCDA confirmed to Rappler that bidding is targeted to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with the current operator eligible to participate in the competitive process.

The planned bidding marks another step in BCDA’s efforts to move Camp John Hay from years of legal disputes and asset recovery toward long-term redevelopment and management.

The golf course is currently operated by a consortium of Golfplus Management Inc. and DuckWorld Philippines under an interim operations and maintenance agreement extended until 2026. BCDA said the consortium will be allowed to join the bidding.

Key details, including the contract term, scope of work, qualifications for bidders, and required investments, have yet to be disclosed. BCDA said these will be contained in the Terms of Reference, which will be released once the bidding process formally begins.

The announcement follows the government’s recovery of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay estate after a series of court rulings culminating in a 2024 Supreme Court decision. John Hay Golf was reopened to the public in 2025 following the turnover of the property to BCDA.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang earlier told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the agency was looking at a 25-year contract for the operation and maintenance of John Hay Golf. However, BCDA told Rappler that the final contract period would be disclosed through the bidding documents.

Part of a larger vision

BCDA said John Hay Golf plays a central role in its long-term plans for Camp John Hay.

“John Hay Golf is an integral part of Camp John Hay’s vision as a people-centered eco-tourism and sports destination,” the agency said in a written response.

“More than a recreational facility, it serves as a key attraction that complements the estate’s natural environment, supports tourism, and creates economic opportunities for the local community.”

The agency said it aims to keep Camp John Hay accessible, environmentally sustainable, and beneficial to both residents and visitors.

BCDA added that a more vibrant Camp John Hay could boost tourism, support jobs, and generate business opportunities for local enterprises.

From recovery to redevelopment

The planned bidding reflects BCDA’s broader effort to determine the long-term future of assets recovered within Camp John Hay.

Beyond the golf course, the agency has been working on new lease arrangements with locators and tenants within the estate while addressing remaining issues linked to the transition, including the proposed segregation of 13 barangays located within the reservation.

For years, discussions surrounding Camp John Hay centered on ownership disputes, court cases, and the government’s efforts to regain control of the property. The focus is now shifting toward how those assets will be managed and developed in the years ahead.

John Hay Golf remains one of the estate’s most recognizable facilities. The 18-hole course spans 5,517 yards and includes banquet and conference facilities, as well as wellness amenities for guests.

BCDA has previously said it hopes to transform the facility into the country’s premier publicly accessible golf course.

Whether management remains with the current operator or is awarded to a new concessionaire will be determined once competitive bidding begins later this year. – Rappler.com