Zamboanga del Norte is the venue of this year’s 12th Western Mindanao Regional Scout Jamboree (WMRSJ) participated by more than 3000 Boy Scouts on August 23-26, 2024 hosted by the Municipality of Leon B. Postigo at Kampo Pabibo, Mawal, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.
More than 3000 scouts participated in the 12th WMRSJ organized by the Region IX Boy Scouts of the Philippines, BSP ZANDIDAP Council in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Del Norte led by Governor Rosalina ” Nanay Nene” G. Jalosjos represented by PDRMMO OIC – Mr .Norman M. Alegarbes and through the Municipality of Leon Postigo Mayor Runie O. Jamora serves as the Camp Chief.
This year’s theme, “Youth Engagement: Sustaining Relevance and Strengthening Resilience”, is a manifestation of the continued effort in building youth as future leaders, relevant and resilient in whatever challenges it will face ahead. The 12th Western Mindanao Regional Scout Jamboree serves as an avenue for the scouts to explore, enhance their skills not just for physical activities but also cognitively where one can fully optimize their potentials as scouts.
The grand opening ceremonies started with the dynamic uniformed delegates from the 41 local chapters in the region and others which includes Lanao del Norte, Marawi, and Cotabao City. Regional and Council flags were raised by Mr. Abundio P. Saavedra, Regional Chairperson, WMR – BSP and Atty. Jose Rizalino L. Ortega, Vice President for Mindanao, Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
The Delegates of their own built colorful tents, guests and BSP Officials were introduced by Mr. Arnel C. Delute the Camp Director. Dr. Ruth L. Fuentes, Regional Director, DepEd RO IX Regional Scout Commissioner conveyed a message of welcome to the delegates that the jamboree aimed to provide a progressive, secured and enjoyable learning area for the scouts in order to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects in life as scouts.
Meanwhile, SDS Roy C. Tuballa, Council Commissioner, ZANDIDAP Council detailed on the importance of the Jamboree that the said event is an avenue to make friends, develop camaraderie and contribute to the growth and stability of the scouting movement in the region.
Mr. Norman Alegarbes, OIC of PDRRMO, who represented the Provincial Government in behalf of Governor Jalosjos inspires the scouts as he stresses that the event is significant because jamborees are the mother of all activities in every scout life. It also plays a vital role in fostering the spirit of friendship and leadership with its unique blend of education, adventure, fun, and scouting continues to inspire the young people to become active and responsible members in the community.
The gleeful part of the opening of the jamboree is the dance intermission under the rain with the snappy scouts with full of laughter and smiles. It was followed with the raising of Regional Scout Jamboree Flags with the declaration of the 12th Western Mindanao Scouts Jamboree and raising of 12th WMSRJ banner by the host municipality led by the dynamic Mayor Runie “Bobby” O. Jamora, subsequently amazing releasing of doves symbolizing peace, unity and prosperity releasing of air balloons signifying freedom and pursuit of higher greatness.
As commitment of the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte, the PDRRMO led the activation of ICS (Incident Command System) as standard procedure in ensuring medical care, safety and security of the place participated by more than a hundred policemen, organic personnel of the BFP, PDRRMO, MDRRMO and Philippine Red Cross. Logistical, Technical and medical support is also extended by the Provincial Engineering Office, Provincial Health Office and Provincial Social Welfare Development Office.
The delegates who attended from the province are from Dapitan City, Dipolog City, Liloy, Pres. Sergio Osmeña, Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon, Baliguian, Godod, Ponot, Labason, Tampilisan, Manukan, Katipunan, Gutalac, Kalawit, Rizal, Gutalac and Salug. While neighbouring provinces and regions who attended are Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao Cotabato, Basilan, Marawi, Sulo, Sibugay and Pagadian City.
In his message for this years’ Western Mindanao Regional Scout Jamboree, President Ferdinan Marcor Jr. emphasizes the importance contributions the scouts highlighting his phrase “A good scout makes a good citizen and a good contributor to our goal of building a Bagong Pilipinas”. (Angelica T. Obina)
(Source: Provincial Information Center-Ginalin G. Ma)