BOTOLAN, Zambales — Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the designated camp chief, formally opened the weeklong international scouting event, highlighting the enduring values of the Scouting movement.
“Today’s jamboree is more than 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 in his opening message.
He added that the convergence of scouts from across the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates how unity and cooperation can transcend differences, noting that hosting the jamboree reflects Zambales’ and the country’s commitment to youth development and international cooperation.
Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) National President Emilio B. Aquino echoed this sentiment, saying the Philippines takes pride in hosting the international event.
“This jamboree stands as living proof that when young people come together with shared values, they become agents of peace, resilience, and positive change,” Aquino said. “For the Philippines, hosting the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree is both an honor and a responsibility, reflecting our belief in the transformative power of Scouting.”
The jamboree runs from December 14 to 21 and has drawn a total of 23,867 participants, including 441 international scouts from 20 countries. Delegations came from Kuwait, Bangladesh, the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Maldives, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Timor-Leste.
Among the notable guests are two descendants of Scouting founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell: David Robert Baden-Powell, the 5th Baron Baden-Powell and great-grandson of the founder, and his daughter, Charlotte Baden-Powell.
Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee Chairperson Dato’ Dr. Mohd Zin Bin Bidin described the Botolan jamboree as “the biggest open-air classroom in the world,” citing the nearly 24,000 participants.
“This reflects the heart of our region,” said Bidin, noting that the Asia-Pacific Region, with 33 member countries and about 37 million scouts, is the most diverse and one of the most dynamic scouting regions globally.
Camp officials attributed the high turnout to the well-prepared 62-hectare campsite in Barangay San Juan. Aquino earlier described the Botolan site as “world-class” and a source of national pride.
Developed by the Zambales provincial government in just 13 weeks at an estimated cost of around US$1 million, the campsite features six sub-camps, 65 tent clusters, a 56,859-square-meter activity center, a souvenir shop, a religious tent, a marketplace, and shower and toilet facilities distributed across the area.
Ebdane assured participants that medical teams, along with contingents from the local police and the Philippine Army, are on standby to ensure safety and security throughout the event.
The 33rd APRSJ marks the fourth time the Philippines has hosted the regional jamboree since 1973 and the first time it is being held in Zambales. Previous editions were all staged at the National Scout Reservation on Mount Makiling in Los Baños, Laguna.