BOTOLAN, Zambales — The province of Zambales will be the venue this December of the 33^rd Asia-Pacific Jamboree, a major scouting event expected to draw delegates from at least 11 countries across the globe.

Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., who was named chairman of the National Jamboree Organizing Committee, said the provincial government is making preparations for Camp Kainomayan in this town, where close to 28,000 local and international participants will gather on December 14 to 21.

“The entire province of Zambales is brimming with excitement, as we prepare to open our doors to the world,” Ebdane said.

Ebdane said the provincial government, along with host organization Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), has poured “countless hours of planning, coordination, and collaboration into every detail to ensure a seamless and meaningful event.”

The governor accompanied BSP National President Emilio B. Aquino and other BSP officials, along with co-chair Congresswoman Bing Maniquiz, to the campsite at Barangay San Juan here on Aug. 14 to see the requirements for the anticipated event.

Engr. Domingo Mariano, chair of the Campsite Development Sub-Committee, said the jamboree site will have six sub-camps within a total area of 62 hectares. It will also have a 56,959-square meter activity are at the center, a 24,080-sqm market place, and a 34,192-sqm parking area.

The provincial government, which will develop the campsite, will build a road crisscrossing the camp; construct a stage, toilets and showers facilities; and install water and power supply systems, Mariano said. The BSP, meanwhile, will shoulder the P5-million rent for use of the private property.

Last May, President Marcos created an inter-agency task force designated to support the preparation, organization and hosting of the jamboree through Administrative Order 33.

The task force, headed by the BSP, includes the departments of Education, Foreign Affairs, Health, Local Government, Public Works, Tourism, Transportation, and Information and Communications Technology; Bureau of Immigration; the Philippine National Police; and Philippine Information Agency.

With the theme “Be Prepared: Scouts for Peace and Sustainable Development,” the jamboree is billed to be a defining adventure event focusing on learning, friendship, and building a sustainable future among scouts in the Asia-Pacific region.

Aside from the Philippines, national scout organizations from Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Fiji, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Maldives, South Korea, TGA Scouts of China, and the United States will join the jamboree. – Taktikom News & Features

COVER PHOTO: Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. assesses the requirements at the jamboree site in Brgy. San Juan, Botolan, Zambales, with Congresswoman Bing Maniquiz.