BCDA starts separation of Hillside barangay from CJH reserve

The State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiary, the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), commenced the process of excluding portions of Hillside barangay from the jurisdiction of the Camp John Hay (CJH) forest and watershed reservation through the disposition of residential lots to qualified occupants in the said area.

BCDA president and chief executive officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang and JHMC president and chief executive officer Allan R. Garcia issued certificates of recognition to some 39 bonafide occupants in Hillside barangay who have been pre-qualified to purchase parcels of land in the said area where they have been residing as early as 1991.

‘This is the first crucial step to jumpstart the process of excluding portions of Hillside barangay from Camp John Hay. We hope this development gives the public and the residents of Baguio the assurance that BCDA and JHMC are committed to deliver our obligations as far as they are consistent with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7227 or the BCDA law,” Bingcang stressed.

For his part, Garcia pointed out that both BCDA and JHMC are dedicated to the progress of Hillside barangay, ensuring that the residents are empowered through land ownership where such initiative reflects the government’s commitment to uphold the law and prioritize the welfare of the community.

The 39 recipients were earlier identified based on a set criterion and will be allowed to purchase, for residential purposes, the lot they are presently occupying subject to the validation, adjustment, if necessary, and approval of BCDA and JHMC.

However, forested areas and water resources shall remain under the jurisdiction of both BCDA and JHMC while vacant lots shall be reserved as relocation sites for bonafide beneficiaries occupying forest areas, water resource areas and danger zones.

Aside from Hillside barangay, BCDA and JHMC are aiming to commence the disposition of properties within CJH which the BCDA may grant to qualified beneficiaries pursuant to applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Last month, Rep. Mark Go filed House Bill (HB) 9428 which seeks to declare portions of Camp John Hay as alienable and disposable, and excluded from the operation of RA 7227 and Proclamation No. 420, series of 1994.

The bill aims to dispose of the portions of land encompassing 13 barangays in the city and for the same to be open for disposition to qualified applicants.

The bill had been subjected to a number of hearings in the House of Representatives committee on natural resources and awaiting the results of local consultations that will be conducted for the said purpose.

One of the 19 conditions imposed by the city government for the development of portions of CJH is for the segregation of the 14 barangays that are within the said reservation pursuant to Resolution No. 362, series of 1994. Scout Barrio was the first barangay that was segregated from the said reservation way back in 2001. – Dexter A. See