The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has entered into a P560 million long-term lease agreement with the consortium of Istana Development Corp. (IDC) and Meridian Commercial Centers, Inc. (MCCI) for the sustainable redevelopment of the Mile-Hi property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
Signed on Oct. 6, 2025, the agreement paves the way for the restoration and transformation of the 6,647-square-meter site into an upscale commercial hub that honors Camp John Hay’s heritage while driving local economic growth.
“Mile-Hi will once again be a place that welcomes visitors, strengthens local livelihoods, and sustains the spirit of Baguio for generations to come,” said BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang.
IDC chairman Jesus Emmanuel Yujuico said the company will work closely with BCDA and the John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC) to ensure the redevelopment aligns with their shared vision.
Under the agreement, the consortium will restore and rehabilitate the Mile-Hi property while preserving its historical significance and integrating sustainable design principles.
Among the innovations that will be implemented are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing energy and water efficiency, minimizing waste, and incorporating features such as natural lighting, ventilation, solar-oriented architecture, and green roofs and walls. Water-sensitive landscaping and the use of low-water-demand plant species will also be adopted, while avoiding facilities that are resource- or chemical-intensive, such as swimming pools.
Named for its elevation roughly one mile above sea level, the Mile-Hi property holds a nostalgic place in Baguio’s history as once a favorite recreation spot featuring a bowling alley, billiards and ping-pong tables, arcade games, and a snack bar. It is now set to begin a new chapter as a modern yet heritage-conscious commercial destination.
