The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Japan’s Zip Infrastructure Co. Ltd. have moved closer to testing a self-driving cable car system in Camp John Hay, signing an agreement that sets the stage for feasibility studies, financing discussions, and a possible joint venture.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and Zip Infrastructure President and CEO Takamasa Suchi signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Tokyo on Oct. 5 covering the proposed Zippar pilot line in Baguio City.
The agreement builds on cooperation that began in 2024, when the two sides started examining the potential use of Zippar, a Japanese self-driving cable car technology, as a mobility solution within Camp John Hay.
Under the MOC, BCDA and Zip Infrastructure will develop a framework for a potential joint venture while assessing the project’s technical requirements, feasibility, investment needs, and financing structure.
The signing moves the proposal into a more detailed evaluation phase, but does not yet commit either side to construction. The parties have not disclosed a potential investment amount, project timeline, or final decision to proceed.
If pursued, the pilot project would introduce Zippar as an alternative transport system within the Camp John Hay complex. The feasibility work will determine whether the technology can meet the site’s operational requirements and whether the project is commercially viable.
John Hay Management Corp. President and CEO Manjit T. Singh Reandi and Zip Representative Director and Chief Operating Officer Mario Rebonquin witnessed the signing.
Philippine Embassy in Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus, DTI-PTIC Tokyo Commercial Counsellor Froilan Emil Pamintuan, and BCDA Director Dante Liban also attended the signing.
The proposed project forms part of broader efforts to explore new mobility solutions for Camp John Hay, with the next phase focused on determining whether the technology can advance from a pilot concept to an implementable project.
