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)
