By Ruben A.Veloria ZAMBALES, Philippines– Participating international scouting leaders and heads unanimously gave the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree with an excellent rating, and a very successful experience to all participants. The remarks were conveyed by the National Scout Organizations of the Asia-Pacific Regional (APR) Scout Committee to Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the designated Camp Chief of the 33rd APR Scout Jamboree, which was held in Scout Camp Kainomayan in Botolan, Zambales. Unit leaders and contingent heads of the international delegations mentioned that among the “excellent jobs” notable during the duration of the jamboree were the security, cleanliness, availability of emergency response units in each of six sub-camps, continuous water and power supplies, and well-coordinated activities for each day. Bharat Scouts and Guides unit leader Sathyajit Chatterji of India said, “Security is very visible and friendly. Security vehicles are always ready to give free rides to scout leaders in going to their destinations.” He also noted that security officers were escorting the scout leaders when they go out of the camp. Sri Lanka Scout Association contingent head Sanjaikumar Riyath appreciated Police Regional (R3) Director P/BGen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., for providing police escorts since their arrival in Manila and in going to their designated Sub-Camp Daza, in Scout Camp Kainomayan, Botolan, Zamabales. Meanwhile, Muslim delegations expressed their gratitude to Camp Chief Gov. Ebdane and co-leaders from Boy Scout of the Philippines for providing Muslims of Halal foods, permissible for Muslims under Islamic law which are free from forbidden pork, alcohol, and blood. “The camp serves Halal foods for our Muslim brothers and sisters, and there is also the religious village where everyone can spent time to pray and for reflection. An excellent jamboree camp,” said Tamara Al Ihsan, contingent head of the Gerakan Pramuka of Indonesia. For Pathfinder Scouts of Vietnam head Hoang Lam, he highly appreciated the security provided to all the delegates. “They secure the main gate of the Scout Camp site, and there are also securities at the gates of the sub-camps. Very secured, the delegates can relax outdoor or leave their things in the tent without fear,” he added. The Scout Association of Mongolia contingent head Narangarav Jambaltseren told the Scout Committee that he saw all delegates are so happy, especially his members. “They are so happy to be scouts and joined the 33rd APR Jamboree here in Zambales. A really best experience as a scout,” he said. For his part, Camp Chief Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. congratulated the members of the scouting committee who volunteered to help make the 33rd APRS Jamboree concluded with overwhelming success. “Congratulations,” Gov. Ebdane said addressing the local and international delegations. “It has been our privilege to host the 33rd APR Jamboree. We have succeeded to put a show that with our limited resources, we have put up something unbelievable and we did it,” he added. Prior to the opening of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree, Gov. Ebdane, has sent-off a composite contingent of around 700 personnel from PNP, Bureau of Fires, Phil. Coast Guard, Phil. Army, PNP SWAT, in Camp Kainomayan to perform security details under the supervision of Police Regional (R3) Dir. P/BGen. Peñones. The closing ceremony held at the Camp Zambales Grand Arena where the 25,000 scout leaders gathered for the last time, marking the successful week-long activities promoting friendship and camaraderie, teaching skills, enhancing leadership qualities, and understanding cultures and religion. PHOTO: Mental and Physical Fitness. Scout leaders underwent several legs of obstacle course, one of many activities held during the 33rd Asia Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in Botolan, Zambales which ended last week.(RAV)

By Ruben A. Veloria ZAMBALES, Philippines- The 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree concluded on Saturday with a gigantic campfire and fireworks and concluded with passing of the APRSJ flag to scout representatives from Thailand, the host of the 34th regional jamboree in 2029. The closing ceremony at the Camp Zambales Grand Arena where the 25,000 scout leaders convene for the last time, marking the successful week of highly planned activities in promoting friendship and camaraderie, teaching skills, enhancing leadership qualities, and understanding cultures and religion. In his speech, Zambales Governor and designated Camp Chief Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. congratulated the members of the scouting committee who made the 33rd APRS Jamboree concluded with overwhelming success. “Congratulations,” Gov. Ebdane said addressing the local and international delegations. “It has been our privilege to host the 33rd APR Jamboree. We have succeeded to put a show that with our limited resources, we have put up something unbelievable and we did it,” he added. Gov. Ebdane noted that the camp which was planned, designed and built inside the formerly 62-hectare barren land, was prepared with the help of the community, as well as the tents which were produced themselves. However, the biggest challenge they met, Gov. Ebdane admiited, was how to “prepare into the largest scout camp in the Philippines” in just 180 days. He admitted he sought the expertise of Zambales Provincial Engineering and Infrastructure Development (ZPEID) Consultant Engineer Domingo Mariano, and Zambales Provincial Engineer Ferdie Dagsaan, who planned and constructed the best camp site for the 33rd APR Scout Jamboree. After seven days of adventure and exciting activities, a closing ceremony finally came with the traditional scout grand campfire set at the middle of the Grand Arena where most part of the 25,000 scouts were convened. Botolan mayor and Deputy Camp Chief for Operations Jun Omar Ebdane lighted the campfire, a culminating event fostering unity and reflections. To officially conclude the jamboree in Zambales which started in December 14, Camp Chief Ebdane handed over to Chatchanin Tanapatchawin, representing the National Scout Organization of Thailand, the host of the 34th APRSJ in 2029. “We are hoping to see all also to the next [34th] Jamboree in Thailand in 2029,” said Tanapatchawin. The statement was followed by a cheers and hurray of the scots as the fireworks displays covered the dark skies with colorful confetti of sparks and bangs. Like all other members of the international Scout contingents, the Thai scout expressed his gratitude to Camp Chief Ebdane “because the scouts had really enjoyed the camp experience.”      

A Weekend of Everything That Flies returns bigger, bolder, and more spectacular than ever.   NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), the country’s longest-running aviation sports event, is set to mark its 26th year with its grandest edition yet, now taking flight in its new home at New Clark City. Themed “A Weekend of Everything that Flies,” the festival will run from February 13 to 15, 2026, offering families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts an exciting opportunity to witness non-stop flying exhibitions. The three-day showcase will feature regular and special-shaped hot air balloons, helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, kites, and drones—all soaring across the sky in one vibrant venue. “Bringing all these aerial spectacles together within a three-day celebration reminds us how meaningful it is to keep offering a true airshow experience—one we’ve honed and shared with the public for more than two decades,” PIHABF Event Director Capt. Joy Roa said. This year, the festival raises the bar once again with the largest display of special-shape balloons in its history—22 colorful, creative, and crowd-favorite designs flown by pilots from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil. For this edition, the PIHABF will take place in New Clark City, a premier sports hub developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The venue features a 20,000-seat Athletics Stadium, a world-class Aquatics Center, and expansive open grounds ideal for large-scale outdoor events. “We are always delighted and honored to host events like this. For New Clark City to welcome and witness this amazing festival is truly special. It deserves to be celebrated in our world-class facilities, which are comfortable, spacious, and accessible to ensure an exceptional experience for all who come to enjoy it,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang added. For more than 25 years, the festival has grown into a beloved celebration of aviation and culture. Since Capt. Joy Roa and his team of passionate aviators took the helm in its third year, PIHABF has evolved into an annual showcase of the very best in flying activities, sports aviation, and international camaraderie. It has also thrilled audiences with aerobatic superstars like the Breitling Jet Team, Wing Walkers, and world-renowned stunt pilot Mark Jeffries; welcomed international air rallies; staged skydiving exhibitions and tandem jumps; and celebrated Filipino artistry through cultural exchanges and iconic poster designs.      

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.

By Ruben A. Veloria    IBA, Zambales, Philippines – Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. led the send-off ceremony for more than 700 security personnel to be detailed at the camp site of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree starting on Monday (Dec. 14) in Botolan of this province.   During the send-off ceremony held at the Grand Arena Camp of the Jamboree camp site in Barangay San Juan, designated Camp Chief Gov. Ebdane addressed the 300 uniformed personnel, part of the 700-man composite team with contingents from Philippine Coast Guard, PNP-SWAT, Provincial Police Office, Philippine Army, the Bureau of Fire, and PNP Medical Team. In his speech, Gov. Ebdane emphasized on maintaining organizational discipline and adherence to rules. “The safety of the more than participants, plus the accompanying parents and teachers from all over the Asia Pacific Region, and other support individuals, lies with us,” he said. Ebdane urged every personnel not to leave their post until properly relieved, and secure the properties within their area, “It’s a bit of sacrifice on your part, but we have to follow orders and comply with all or best to secure the Camp site,” he continued. Having the theme “Be Prepared: Scouts for Peace and Sustainable Development,” the Jamboree will run from December 14 to 21, at the 62-hectare flat land to accommodate more than 25,000 participating scouts. The Camp Site itself is complimented with roads with signage, huge mess hall, clinic and emergency post with ambulance, security post which monitors CCTV networks, and a Grand Arena Camp where cultural and tourism activities are to be held. The camp site is divided into six smaller sub-camps, with each sub-camp is complemented with comfort rooms, bath-wash and laundry area, water and electricity supplies, and spacious ground. Meanwhile, BSP Acting Secretary General, and Camp Dir. Atty. Cedrick Train expressed his “super thanks” for Gov.  Ebdane, and the Provincial Engineering Office (headed by Engr. Domingo Mariano), for the best camp site he ever seen in the Philippines. For his part, Mayor Ebdane said that many local residents and visiting entrepreneurs will have the opportunities to sell local products, delicacies, and fruits, while drivers of tricycle (the primary means of public transportation in San Juan) will have increased income. “It’s time to show Filipino hospitality, Filipino tastes and culture, and most importantly to show why Zambales is fast becoming tourist stay-cation destination in Central Luzon,” the mayor said. Other official who graced the send-off ceremony were BSP National President and Dep. Camp Chief Atty. Emilio Aquino, DepEd Div. Supt. and Dep. Camp Chief for Program William Roderick Fallorin; BSP Coordinator for DepEd Zambales, and Vice Chair-RIII Council George Acupan, Police Regional Dir. P/BGen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., and Zambales Police Dir. P/Col. Benjamin Ariola. Based on Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP) website, among the delegations who have already submitted their confirmation 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.   Photo:     Camp Chief Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. (3rd from left) and BSP Acting Secretary General, and Camp Dir. Atty. Cedrick Train (4th from let), and the PNP-SWAT contingents after the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in San Juan, Botolan Zambales. At lower photo Gov Ebdane poses with other officials of the Boy Scout of the Philippines after the Send Off Ceremony for than 700 security personnel to be detailed at the camp site of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree starting on Monday (Dec. 14) in Botolan of this province. (RAV)

Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines – Best Western Plus Metro Clark, the leading hospitality provider in Central Luzon, proudly announces that it is the first hotel in Asia to achieve official certification by Ookla® as Speedtest Certified™ for its exceptional wireless network performance. This prestigious, national recognition validates the hotel’s commitment to delivering a superior digital guest experience, seamlessly powered by the high-speed fiber and technology solutions of Converge. Ookla®, a global leader in connectivity intelligence and a division of Ziff Davis, independently verified that the wireless network of Best Western Plus Metro Clark met the rigorous performance standards of their Speedtest Certified program. This certification validates that every guest has access to fast and reliable connectivity throughout the property, ensuring an uninterrupted digital journey during their stay. Speedtest Certified is a definitive property network verification program that leverages Ookla’s trusted testing methodology and unrivaled brand recognition to assure guests of a property’s exceptional internet quality—a crucial component of the modern travel experience. The hotel’s performance was measured against official Speedtest Certified criteria, resulting in a score of 72.5 out of 100 and successfully surpassing the required minimum threshold of 70 for certification. The certification confirms that Best Western Plus Metro Clark delivers a robust and reliable connectivity experience across all critical performance areas. This is achieved through strong primary signal coverage, high median upload and download speeds suitable for high-demand tasks like video conferencing and streaming, and minimal latency essential for real-time applications. Furthermore, the network is built on a resilient infrastructure, featuring industry best practices for security and configuration, and is supported by a high-capacity fiber backhaul from Converge, measured at 3000 Mbps, which ensures ample bandwidth and consistent service quality even during peak guest usage. Chafic Traboulsi, Senior Vice President, Sales EMEA & APAC at Ookla, a division of Ziff Davis, said: “Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is now a fundamental guest expectation. We congratulate Best Western Plus Metro Clark on achieving Speedtest Certified status for its network. By earning our trusted badge of excellence, the hotel demonstrates its leadership in providing a positive digital experience.” The hotel’s certified Wi-Fi Excellence is a direct result of the connectivity collaboration forged with Converge Global Business, the corporate and large enterprise unit of Converge. Converge equipped the hotel with advanced fiber connectivity and its cutting-edge hospitality solution, Content Plus. This integration ensures a seamless digital experience for guests, providing not only ultra-high-speed internet for crucial business tasks and streaming but also a rich selection of premium entertainment channels. Converge recently celebrated its third consecutive triumph s for Ookla’s Speedtest Awards during the first half of 2025, sweeping four major categories including Fastest Fixed Network and Best Fixed Network. The company posted an impressive Speed Score™ of 63.46, reflecting industry-leading performance that translates directly into a world-class, seamless online experience for hotel guests. “Being the first hotel in Asia to become Speedtest Certified by Ookla is a tremendous honor and a testament to our ongoing investment in world-class amenities,” stated Jansen Ivan Uy, President & Chief Operating Officer of Savers Group Holdings, operator of Best Western Plus Metro Clark. “Our partnership with Converge has been crucial, allowing us to provide an ultra-fast, consistent, and secure Wi-Fi environment that enhances both our business and leisure guests’ stays, enabling seamless work, entertainment, and communication. This initiative significantly boosts the local tourism sector by elevating our desirability to modern travelers who expect a fully connected experience.” Eugene Yeo, Chief Executive Advisor of Converge, adds, “Converge is committed to empowering the hospitality sector with pure fiber connectivity that is capable of supporting the high demands of a modern hotel. Ookla’s certification for Best Western Plus Metro Clark validates the strength and quality of the fiber infrastructure and the excellent digital experience it provides to their guests. This collaboration exemplifies how reliable, high-speed fiber, backed by our position as the Philippines’ top-performing internet provider, is essential for premium property services.” Best Western Plus Metro Clark’s achievement represents a foundational advancement in guest experience, moving beyond mere amenity enhancement. By integrating certified, world-class connectivity, powered by Converge, with its luxury offerings, the hotel redefines the operational benchmarks for modern Filipino hospitality. Being Speedtest Certified provides definitive assurance of digital excellence, solidifying the hotel’s market distinction and reinforcing its leadership position in Central Luzon’s competitive tourism sector.        

BULACAN, Philippines — San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is back cleaning rivers in Bulacan province, after completing a massive effort from October 2022 to September 2024, that removed over 4.15 million metric tons of flood-causing silt and waste from 74 kilometers of rivers, at no cost to government and with no commercial benefit to the company. This time, SMC is undertaking maintenance cleanups of major rivers draining out to Manila Bay that surround the country’s future largest and most modern international gateway. SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said that over the last 10 months, the company’s Better Rivers PH cleanup crews have removed over 500,000 tons of silt and waste from a nine-kilometer stretch of the Maycapiz-Taliptip River and Bambang River. This has further deepened the river channels, which used to be mostly knee-deep prior to any dredging. Today the rivers are more than three meters deep, equivalent to the height of two persons, one standing on top of the other. Apart from this, SMC has also extended its river cleanup efforts to the Bagumbayan River within the town of Bulakan, Bulacan where it has so far removed over 91,000 tons of silt and waste from 3.3 kilometers of the river. Ang said that regular maintenance cleanups of these rivers are needed to ensure that gains made through the company’s years-long flood mitigation efforts — primarily, the increased flood-carrying capacities and improved flow of these rivers — are preserved.   “Rivers that surround theNew Manila International Airport project have a vital function — to drain waters from eastern Bulacan rivers, out to Manila Bay. That is why it’s critical that we continuously clean them, and even deepen and expand where needed, to ensure better flood protection and mitigation, not just for the airport, but for eastern Bulacan municipalities in the Bulacan sub-river basin,” Ang said. He explained that before SMC’s Bulacan rivers cleanup initiative, decades of accumulated silt and waste coming from upstream areas of Bulacan had significantly shallowed and clogged the Maycapiz-Taliptip River, Bambang River, and Meycauayan River in the low-lying coasts —resulting in increased flooding. The coastal area’s low elevation, at below sea level, had also made the municipalities inherently prone to flooding.   In fact, the NMIA project site, an island surrounded by the three rivers, was also submerged over time by shallow waters. Thus, for many decades, the site was used for commercial fish pond operations by previous land owners.   Apart from clearing the three major rivers, which yielded over 1.5 million tons of silt in 2024, SMC also cleaned upstream rivers and tributaries in Bulacan to help ensure efficient water flow towards the three rivers.   The effort has helped mitigate flooding for Guiguinto, Marilao, Balagtas, Bocaue, and Meycauayan. But while the initial cleanup of the three main rivers restored their natural depth of three meters, recent water level monitoring showed that the rivers were again being shallowed by siltation. This was brought about by numerous typhoons and heavy rainfall experienced last year, which necessitated the reactivation of clean-up operations.   “Keeping the rivers clean and flowing is our long-term commitment, and is integrated into the development and eventual operations of the NMIA. This means that continuous flood risk mitigation efforts for the airport will greatly benefit neighboring municipalities and the rest of eastern Bulacan,” Ang said. Meanwhile, in the western part of the Bulacan–in entirely separate and faraway river basins from the airport project in the east–towns like Hagonoy and Malolos remain prone to flooding whenever the Angat Dam overflows. For these municipalities, SMC had also previously cleaned up the downstream portions of Malolos Rivers, the Angat-Labangan River, and Pampanga River. However, these areas continue to be flood-prone when water overflows or is released from Angat Dam. SMC noted that flooding in Bulacan is a complex issue shaped by many factors, among them: the natural rise of sea levels, land subsidence caused by over-extraction of groundwater, inadequate drainage systems, and rapid urbanization in upstream areas. For a permanent and holistic flood solution to be successful, sustained cooperation among the national and local governments, private sector, and communities will be necessary.

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Philippines  — Employees of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) traveled to Casiguran, Aurora on December 3, 2025 to extend critical assistance to an indigenous people (IP) community severely affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong). The “Bayanihan sa Casiguran” initiative, held in Sitio Dipontian, Barangay Cozo, aimed to support the Agta Tribe in rebuilding their homes and a school damaged by the typhoon. The activity exemplifies CIAC’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable communities, focusing on helping residents recover and rebuild after the disaster. The CSR effort provided essential construction materials, including paint, fiber cement boards, corrugated roof sheets, cement, gloves, paint brushes and rollers, hand saws, and claw hammers. In addition, 50 bags of rice were contributed by the CIAC Provident Fund Inc. (CPFI) and the CIAC Employees’ Association Inc. (CEAI). Support from the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (APECO) ensured the smooth execution of the outreach. Super Typhoon Uwan inflicted widespread destruction across Aurora Province, damaging nearly 4,000 homes, particularly in the coastal towns of Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag. Sitio Dipontian in Barangay Cozo was among the hardest-hit areas in Casiguran, with more than 1,100 houses and school facilities destroyed. The Agta of Casiguran, also known as the Casiguran Dumagat, are part of the broader Negrito communities residing in the eastern Sierra Madre mountains. Through the CSR team, the construction materials and rice were directly handed over to the beneficiaries via Agta tribal leaders and APECO Community Relations Officer Luzed Anne Jandoc. This activity reflects CIAC’s broader mission: while developing the Clark Aviation Capital, the corporation also seeks to uplift communities and create meaningful social impact, demonstrating that its role extends beyond aviation into philanthropy and disaster recovery.