THE interim management contract for the golf facilities at Camp John Hay (CJH) in Baguio City has been awarded to Golfplus Management, Inc., the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said on Tuesday.
In a statement, the BCDA said Golfplus operates the driving ranges of the Nuvali and Alviera estates and of sports management and marketing agency DuckWorld PH.
“We know the CJH golf course is a crowd favorite in the golf community. New and former players will continue to enjoy premium services at the estate facilities during the interim period,” BCDA Vice-President Mark P. Torres said.
The golf estate facilities, which were formerly handled by CJH Development Corp. subsidiary CJH Golf Club, Inc., have been recovered by the BCDA after a notice to vacate was served to CJH DevCo on Monday.
“We will be introducing improvements and evaluating systems and protocols to provide appropriate recommendations when the estate is ready to be turned over to a long-term private partner,” Golfplus President and Interim Management Head Eduardo P. Arguelles said.
“We want to assure clients and stakeholders that we will be updating everyone regularly to guide them during the transition,” he added.
The golf estate facilities will be closed on Jan. 7 and 8 to facilitate an inventory of the property and other transitional activities.
“The new management will make sure services continue and workers and caddies are cared for,” John Hay Management Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Marlo Quadra said.
“We look forward to upholding the prestige of the golf estate and quality of service for players and guests,” he added.
LODGING
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the BCDA said the Manor and Forest Lodge at CJH will also have a new interim manager, Landco Pacific Corp.
“This is to assist the BCDA in transitioning the properties to a new private partner once they are ready to be awarded for long-term lease and management arrangements,” Landco said.
A subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), Landco will be the interim operator of the facilities for one year, extendable to two.
“We are happy to assist the BCDA in this transition. CJH must realize its potential as a special economic zone. This is a significant first step,” MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
“We have assembled a highly capable team to make sure that these legacy properties are protected and enhanced as cornerstones of Baguio history and tourism. Staff and guests need not worry,” he added.
The interim task force for the management transition of the hotels will be led by Patrick C. Gregorio, the head of Landco Lifestyle Ventures. — Justine Irish D. Tabile