February, 2009

BSP ready to Jam!

A blend of color and sound… A blend of learning and fun…

            The Boy Scouts of the Philippines flexes its muscles as it blows the trumpet for the historic 26^th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree on December 28, 2009 to January 3, 2010.

            To ensure the success of the event, BSP National President and Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee Chairman Jejomar C. Binay urged the BSP professional staff to work hand in hand with concerned government and non-Government agencies.  He also rallied Scout volunteers, allies and supporters to support the event.

            “All eyes are on our country. We are not only representing the BSP here, but the entire Filipino nation.  I appeal for your help and cooperation. Let this Jamboree be our contribution to the global search for peace.” Binay said during the Jamboree Host Organizing Committee (JHOC) meeting held on 26 November 2008.

            The JHOC had arranged a meeting with several government agencies it has been planning to involve in the Jamboree. Coordinators of various Jamboree committees had the chance to talk to heads and representatives of various government agencies, which could be tapped to render assistance to the Jamboree in areas of security, communication, health, tourism etc.

JAMBOREE WEBSITE

            To further improve communications and to ensure wider dissemination of information about the Jamboree the JHOC of the 26^th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree has launched a website. The http://aprjamboree2009.com contains news, updates about the Asia-Pacific Scout Jamboree and some relevant information about the host country.

HISTORIC MT. MAKILING BEING READIED

            The Philippine Scouting Center for Asia-Pacific Region, Located on top of the legendary Mt. Makiling, is undergoing a massive facelift for the most-awaited Asia-Pacific Jamboree.  A four-story hotel is being constructed at the center of the Jamboree site near the grand arena and will be opened before the Jamboree.  The swimming pool, which was destroyed by two powerful typhoons, is undergoing renovation.  It will be used for some water activities during the Jamboree.  Some facilities, like buildings, are being refurbished.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

            Participants from the countries below are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding 21 days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination. Department regulations require that passport are valid for a period of not less than six months beyond the contemplated period of stay: Australia, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Korea, Singapore Thailand, United Kingdom, of Great Britain and Northern Island and United States of America.

The following are allowed to enter the country without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven days: Holders of Hong Kong  Special Administrative passports and holders of Macao Special Administrative Region.

WAIVER OF EXCLUSION GROUNDS

            Except for those who have already acquired residence in the Philippines and those have been issued reentry permit, Section 29 of the Philippine Immigration Act states that children under 15 years of age, unaccompanied by or not coming to a parent are classified as excludable.  In order for them to be admitted into the country, they must secure Waiver of Exclusion Ground from the Bureau of Immigration, upon proper coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

            For more information about visa requirements, please log on to http://dfa.gov.ph or http://immigration.gov.ph

HOME HOSPITALITY

            The Home Hospitality Program will be arranged by BSP. Those who are interested are requested to fill-out and submit the application form for Home Hospitality to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines – APR Scout Jamboree Secretariat at 181 Natividad Almeda-Lopez Strett, Ermita, Manila, Philippines or through Email:aprjam2009@scout.org.ph.  The deadline for submission is not later than 31 July 2009.

            OPTION 1:  (Home stay with a Scout Family: 2 Scouts/family) Participants can stay at the home of a Scout family for three days before or after the camp but not more than two persons to any family. The program is free of charge and can be arranged by prior request at least four (4) months before the Jamboree.

            OPTION 2: ( Scout Camp and Schools) This program is suitable for contingents whose preference is to stay at Scout camps, schools or Local Council Scout Groups. The program is arranged by prior request in the cities of Manila, Makati City, Quezon City, Las Piñas and Laguna Province. Rates of charge will vary depending on selected destinations.

            OPTION 3:  (The Excursion and Tour Service)  It is part of the Hospitality program. Pre & Post Tour Schedules are offered to Scouts, IST and Contingent Staff. The tour program will be under the Tourism Authority of the Philippines covering various destinations of tourist attractions and activities. Rates of charge will vary depending on selected destinations.

            You can download the form from http://aprjamboree2009.com

GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT VILLAGE AND APR VILLAGE

            National Scout Organizations are invited to put up an exhibit or activity booth in the Global Development Village (GDV).

            In addition to a GDV booth, another will be allocated for each NSO in the APR Village devoted for walk-in activities, exhibits to showcase products, crafts and etc., of their own country.  Activity booths, to be provided by BSP (2-4mx3m) shall be managed by members of the International Service Team.

            Should you intend to accept our invitation, kindly fill-out the form and submit through our E-mail aprjam2009@scouts.org.ph

            You can download the form from http://aprjamboree2009.com       

SUB-CAMP NAMES

            The Boy Scouts of the Philippines deems it necessary to honor the Seven Founding Fathers and Incorporators of the BSP by naming the seven Jamboree Sub-Camps after then. International participants will be assigned to designated Sub-Camps for troop/patrol where they will stay with their Filipino counterparts.

The Sub-Camps are:

            Sub-Camp 1 – Sub-Camp Lim

Sub-Camp 2 – Sub-Camp Camus

Sub-Camp 3 – Sub-Camp Romulo

Sub-Camp 4 – Sub-Camp Daza

Sub-Camp 5 – Sub-Camp Vargas

Sub-Camp 6 – Sub-Camp Stevenot

Sub-Camp 7 – Sub-Camp Luz

CAMPING EQUIPMENT TO BE ISSUED

            The international participants as well the ISTs will be provided with the following:

·         Tents (153×183x107 cm)

·         Set of plastic eating utensils (a piece of plate, a set of spoon and fork, small bowl and plastic bottle for drinking water), and:

·         Set of cooking utensils for each patrol (casserole, kettle, rice cooker, frying pan)

These items should be returned to the Sub-Camp Quartermaster after the Jamboree.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING

            Casual clothing is recommended. Shorts, jeans, T-shirts, sandals and/or rubber shoes are best worn during summer. Umbrellas, raincoats and/or jackets are particularly useful during the rainy months. Other useful items are sun block, insect repellent, swim wear and flotation devices.

            For those who plan to go trekking, it is advised that jeans/jogging pants, highly visible long sleeved shirts (i.e. yellow, orange or red) and outdoor shoes be worn.

REMINDERS

            Travelers’ Checks and currency exchange are available in certain cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted in major establishments.

Those who wish to stay in hotels may contact the JOC secretariat for booking and reservation.

Power is available 24 hours.

No foreign currency exchange and credit card transaction available at the camp, buth hotels are accepting major credit cards.

REGISTRATION SUMMARY AS OF DECEMBER 10, 2008

            The following is the summary of the number of prospective delegates, who have expressed willingness to join the 26^th Asia-Pacific Scout Jamboree.

            No. of NSOs:               18

            No. of Scouts:             1083

            No. of Leaders            137

            IST:                              112

            Contingent Staff:         64

            Local Participants       3,210

LAGUNA BECKONS

            Laguna Province, named after Laguna de Bay, lies on the fringes of this great body of water which is the country’s largest lake.  Endowed with numerous mineral hot and cold springs, majestic waterfalls, and protected forest areas teeming with a great diversity of flora and fauna, the province is an important cluster of destinations for eco-tourism, wellness visits, leisure activities and special interest.  Laguna is undeniably steeped in heritage and the scenery and attractions mirror the Philippine’s rich past.

            Laguna is a bustling province that hosts the country’s leading schools, industries and export zones.  On one of its mountains nestles the Asia-Pacific Region Scout Training Center, maintained by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.  The extraordinary gifts of nature have contributed much to the development of resorts, parks, and golf courses that have made Laguna one of the most desired visitors’ destinations in the Philippines.

HOW TO GET THERE

            Buses are readily available to travelers without private transportation although these bypass several municipalities. Jeepneys and tricycles are common options when travelling to destinations within the province.  The convenience of having a private vehicle is evident in the ease of travel it afford and the number of places that can be visited.

TRAVEL FACTS & TIPS

            Covering 17,597 sq. km., the province is home to over 1.9 million people. It has three cities and 27 municipalities. The language of choice in the province is Tagalog.

TOP LAGUNA HOTELS & RESORTS

(Accredited by the Department of Tourism)

Note: The rate is based on the current Philippine Peso-US dollar exchange rate (US 1$ = Php47.04).  The Php-US$ exchange rate is subject to change.

CONTACT US

APR Jamboree Secretariat

Boy Scouts of the Philippines

181 Natividad Almeda-Lopez Street

Ermita, Manila

P.O Box 1378, Manila CPO, Philippines

Telephones: (632) 5278317 to19 local 218:

528-0555/527-5108 Fax No. (632) 528-0577

Website: Http://aprjamboree2009.com

Email: aprjam2009@scouts.org.ph

Watch out for our next bulletin…Jam with us!