ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/09 November) – Zamboanga City, birthplace of the first scouting activity of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) 100 years ago, hosts the Centennial Jamboree that opened Saturday.
The five-day Jamboree, which ends Wednesday, is held at the Zambaonga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Zamboecozone) in Barangay Talisayan, 26 kilometers west of this city.
“We are here to grow and develop ourselves into useful citizens,” Vice President Jejomar Binay, concurrent president of the BSP, said in his keynote address.
“Bear in mind that this centennial jamboree will happen only once in your lifetime. Enjoy, and take pride, but be not boastful that you have been a part of this unique experience. Go ahead, scouts, learn, play, communicate, and take a look at the future through this jamboree. And when you grow up, when you have become acquainted with life in all its beauty and otherwise, and experienced all its adventures, take a look back and cherish these moments. Remember you once stood in
this wonderful place and took part in a jamboree that nourished your body and soul,” he said.
Binay also accepted the Peace Torch and Baton during the opening rites.
Engr. Reynaldo Misanes, BSP-Zamboanga City Council second vice-char, said the five-day Centennial Jamboree is being participated by 6,300 Boy Scouts from all over Mindanao.
Misanes said the holding of the Centennial Jamboree is earliest documented formation of a Scout troop in the islands was that of the Lorillard Spencer Troops of Zamboanga formed in 1914 by a United States Navy Lieutenant named Sherman Kiser in Barangay Recodo, this city.
The Centennial Jamboree is anchored on the theme: “Peace and Development Through Scouting.”
Misanes said some delegations were set to arrive Saturday. “The delegates from Iligan City arrived (Friday) night,” he added.
Reporters covering the Centennial Jamboree spotted a convoy of three air-conditioned buses around 1 p.m. transporting the jamboree delegation from Cagayan de Oro City.
Police and military forces strengthened security measures in and around the Jamboree site and along roads leading to the Zamboecozone. (MindaNews)
