The 30th Panagbenga Grand Street Parade, held on February 28, 2026, featured not just flowers but also bright decorations and props used by students to make their drum and lyre performances bloom and stand out at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. **Photo by neimless_skills
Several councilors have expressed alarm over the failure of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to submit the expanded Master Development Plan (MDP) for Camp John Hay (CJH) amid announcements of planned high-value projects within the former military reservation, now positioned as an eco-tourism and investment hub.
On December 15, 2025, the Baguio City Council, through resolution 898-2025, urged the BCDA to formally submit the expanded MDP of the Camp John Hay Special Economic Zone (CJHSEZ), along with all supporting documents.
Authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., the resolution underscored the City Council’s authority and mandate to review and approve development plans within its jurisdiction in order to ensure alignment with the city’s land use policies, environmental safeguards, and overall public welfare.
The City Council’s appeal for the submission of CJH’s expanded MPD was also made during multiple forums with BCDA and CJH Management Corporation (CJHMC) representatives.
To date, the BCDA has not yet submitted any documents related to the City Council’s request.
Amid announcements about high-value projects within CJH, Councilors Fred Bagbagen and Leandro Yangot Jr. raised concerns over repeated failure to coordinate with the city government.
“Baguio is totally ignored,” the councilors said.
Media reports have confirmed that the BCDA has advanced plans at CJH for the development of a John Hay Sports Center and significant investments such as offering 70 hectares for redevelopment and commercial leases, among others. Moreover, the BCDA has been involved in initiatives like electric vehicle shuttle services and broader revenue growth driven by activity in CJH.
Previously, Councilor Jose Molintas slammed this move for economic expansions, saying it sidelines the BCDA’s failure to comply with the 19 conditionalities set by the city government for the development of the CJHSEZ under City Council Resolution 362-1994.
In his privilege speech during the City Council’s regular session on September 16, 2024, Bagbagen criticized the BCDA for not making any efforts to secure the consent of the local government before introducing development projects as mandated by Section 27 of the Local Government Code.
Bagbagen asserted that the absence of any document proving that the LGU gave consent could cast BCDA as “squatters” and “builders acting in bad faith.”
“He who builds, plants or sows in bad faith on the land of another, loses what is built, planted or sown without right to indemnity,” Bagbagen said. **Jordan G. Habbiling
