BAGUIO CITY — Congressman Mauricio “Morris” G. Domogan, the representative of the Lone District of Baguio City, welcomed his election as chairperson of the House Special Committee on Bases Conversion.

As a long time public servant, and also as a private citizen, of a district that has gone through complex relations with Bases Conversion Authority (BCDA), he considers his new role as an opportunity to explore legislative solutions that serve both the interests of Baguio and the goals of the government.

As chairperson, he is tasked to lead the committee with the legislative oversight of the BCDA and the broader policy framework governing the conversion of former military lands to productive civilian purposes.

The BCDA, created by Republic Act No. 7227 or the bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, has the mandate to transform former U.S. military bases and other military lands into economic zones. BCDA is tasked to commercialize former military lands, attract investments, support modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and work with the host local government units on developmental activities.

Specifically, his committee has the authority to scrutinize BCDA’s operations, including its programs, land dispositions, and relationships with the host communities.

 

He is considered the right man for the job. As mayor of Baguio, he worked to create common ground, albeit tedious, with the BCDA to settle long-standing disputes on the lease terms of Camp John Hay, the city’s share of revenues, and the need to align development plans with Baguio’s environmental initiatives.

Interestingly, many of the conditions he negotiated with the BCDA prior to the turnover of Camp John Hay – like the 𝟭𝟵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 – remain in legal and bureaucratic limbo until the present day.

With him at the helm of the committee, long simmering grievances among communities affected by the conversion of former military bases may now find a leader who has both the empathy and experience in addressing their concerns.

Now that Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan takes on the national leadership role as chairperson of the House Special Committee on Bases Conversion, he will bring with him decades of institutional experience, a firsthand grasp of the issues, and a proven unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity and accountability.

Under his leadership, there is renewed hope for the realization of an equitable base conversion – not just for Baguio, but for all affected host communities across the country.