P2-B poured into Camp John Hay development – Sobrepeña

More than P2 billion has already been invested by the Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJH DevCo) in the development of the former military reservation, chairman Robert John Sobrepeña, said yesterday.

According to him, the figure excludes the lease payment made during CJH DevCo’s first year of operations amounting to P425 million, as well as the advance payment of P250 million made when the lease agreement between CJH DevCo and the Bases Conversion Development Authority was signed.

Sobrepeña pointed out that the latest structure to be completed was the Camp John Hay Manor Hotel, a first-class lodging facility that was opened last Dec. 28.

The hotel, he said, is an "important component" of the development of Camp John Hay being undertaken by CJH DevCo. It boasts of 187 accommodation facilities which consist of studio type, one and two bedroom units.

"The completion of the Manor Hotel is an integral components of the total development of Camp John Hay that we are undertaking to make it a world-class tourist destination," said Sobrepeña. "We will be certainly pouring in more resources on top of the P2 billion that the corporation has already invested," he added.

Business groups in Baguio note that the sizeable investment in the development of CJH has made a positive impact on the local economy, benefiting several collateral industries.

The investment infused in the development project for Camp John Hay, also includes providing at least P5 million in the implementation of the environmental management program (EMP) that is comprehensive enough to include a silviculture treatment plan to improve the Benguet pine stands and treat the forest to ensure that CJH’s main asset-its trees, remain healthy. The EMP also includes a solid waste management plant that will eventually establish a composting facility.

Aside from the hotel, already completed are a golf course, a golf clubhouse, and country log homes. Also being presently constructed is a convention center and another 287 unit hotel facility.

"We are happy with how the development of Camp John Hay has progressed so far as well as how we have contributed to the local economy," Sobrepeña stressed.