BOTOLAN, Zambales — The 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scouts Jamboree, the largest gathering of scouts in the region, officially concluded on Saturday at Camp Zambales after a week-long celebration of unity, leadership, and cultural exchange.
The seven-day Jamboree 2025 drew more than 25,000 participants, including 441 international scouts from 19 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Camp Chief and Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said delegates came from Kuwait, Bangladesh, the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Maldives, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Timor-Leste, and the Philippines.
“Today’s jamboree is more than just a gathering; it is a training ground for future leaders—leaders who will protect the environment, strengthen communities, promote peace, and face challenges with courage and compassion,” Ebdane said. “As scouts from across the Asia-Pacific region come together, you remind us that unity and cooperation can overcome differences.”
Despite preparations being completed in just 13 weeks at the 62-hectare campsite, Ebdane said order and security were effectively maintained throughout the event with the support of medical teams, local police, and the Philippine Army, which were deployed across six sub-camps within the area.
Foreign delegations commended the organizers for the efficient logistical arrangements, citing the strong security presence and food provisions as highlights of their overall jamboree experience.
The closing ceremony featured the ceremonial lighting of the grand campfire, led by Botolan Mayor and Deputy Camp Chief Jun Omar Ebdane, along with selected scout leaders representing the north, south, east, and west of the country.
The event was capped by cultural performances, including singing and dancing to “Scouts, We Are One,” the official jamboree song.
To formally close the jamboree, Camp Chief Ebdane turned over the scout flag to the Thailand scout delegation, which will host the next Asia-Pacific Regional Scouts Jamboree.
Ebdane expressed his gratitude to the scouts, leaders, organizers, volunteers, and partners for ensuring the resounding success of the recently concluded event.