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)
