By Ruben A. Veloria
BOTOLAN, Zambales, Philippines — Designated Camp Chief and Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. on Monday officially opened the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in Scout Camp Kainomayan in Barangay San Juan, this town.
Gov. Ebdane welcome the 25,000 scout leaders and support individuals of “different nations and culture united by service and shared commitment in shaping our better future” come together to join one of the biggest scout jamboree in the history of scouting in the world.
“Today is historical event as scouts from 19 nations of different languages, culture and religion, come together, reminding us that unity and cooperation can overcome differences,” Gov. Ebdane said.
Gov. Ebdane noted that the jamboree is more than a gathering, but a training ground for future leaders, “who will protect the environment, strengthen community, promote peace, and to face of challenges with courage and compassion.”
Meanwhile, APR Scout Committee Chairperson Dato’ Dr. Mohd Zin Bin Bidin lauded the local provincial government headed by Gov. Ebdane for the “vibrant, massive and incredible scout jamboree site.
“Thank you Mr. Governor and Camp Chief Ebdane for giving the 33rd Asia Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree a truly ‘biggest open-classroom in the world,” said Bidin.
The scout jamboree will run until December 21 with a program and activities designed to enhance skills development, nature adventure, cultural exchange and social learnings and friendship. “Make the best of this jamboree, as you make new friends and experiences,” Bidin said.
Based on Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP) website, among the delegations for the event, include Bangladesh, Fiji, Hong Kong, South Korea, TGA Scouts of China, Brunei Darussalam, Maldives, USA, Canada, Kuwait, and the host country, the Philippines which will be sending the biggest delegation.
On her part, Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz (Zambales, (2nd Dist.) expressed her gratitude for a dream come true.
“Among the first dream of mine is to bring the 33rd APR Scout Jamboree to Zambales, to make history that will be written in history books and archives,” she said, as she thanked Gov. Ebdane and Zambales Provincial Engineering and Infrastructure Development (ZPEID) Consultant Engineer Domingo Mariano.
In mid-2025, Gov. Ebdane commissioned Engr Mariano to plan and construct the best camp site for the 33rd APR Scout Jamboree.
In response, Engr. Mariano created in merely 118 days the Scout Camp Kainomayan Jamboree site defeating time, six typhoons, 10 hours of power outage, lack of materials and manpower.
The result: a 62-ha. Jamboree complex complimented with roads and six bridges with signage, huge mess hall, clinics and emergency posts with ambulances on stand-by, security post which monitors a network of 94 CCTV, and a Grand Arena Camp which can accommodate 30,000 participants, a parking space to handle 600 units of bus, and the installation of seven power transformers for electric power supply.
The camp site is divided into seven smaller APR villages or sub-camps, with each sub-camp is complemented with comfort rooms, bath-wash with shower, and laundry area, water and electricity supplies, and spacious grounds.
Earlier, a Holy Mass was celebrated in the Religious Pavilion, and was followed by the unveiling of the BSP 33rd Asia Pacific Regional Scot Jamboree totem pole o which both events were graced by Camp Chief and Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., and other BSP Officials.
