The gathering of around 35,000 scouts and scoutmasters for the 18th National Scout Jamboree on Dec. 11 to 17 would bring economic returns to host Passi City.

Passi Mayor Stephen Palmares, also the camp chief of the 80-hectare Pintados de Passi Camp, said the city government allocated PHP30 million, on top of outside contributions, to support the event.

Visitors and parents watching over their children would also come to the city, bringing revenues to hotels, home-based accommodations and other establishments.

More than the money, the mayor pointed out that the ultimate aim of hosting the event is to allow more Ilonggos to be part of what he called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

He said only a few Ilonggos join the national jamboree in Luzon or Mindanao due to financial constraints.

They usually spend PHP20,000 to PHP25,000 when a scout joins outside Western Visayas.

In Passi City, scouts from the region would have to shell out only around PHP2,000 to PHP3,000, he said.

“The National Jamboree happens only every four years. The next national jamboree will be in 2027 in Mindanao, 2031 in Luzon, and 2035 in Visayas. For sure Region 6 could not host anymore. It’s either Region 7 (Central Visayas) or Region 8 (Eastern Visayas). The next jamboree in Western Visayas will be in 2059,” the mayor added.

Palmares said scouting taught him discipline.

“In scouting, I have developed discipline. The discipline on how to survive with the minimal logistics in your pocket, the discipline on how to survive in every situation, especially in struggling situations,” he said.

With three days left before the opening, he said they are ready with the physical preparations.

The local government laid down a 5,000-kilometer water line, established 1,120 toilets and baths, developed the road network, and installed about 350 street lights in the entire camp.

Around 1,000 security personnel have also been deployed with the support of 3,000 volunteers.

The entire camp is provided with Wi-Fi hotspots by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

“For all scouters coming in from all over the country, we are ready for this 18th national jamboree,” he added.

The jamboree will kick off with a grand parade on Monday morning and hold a sub-camp campfire at night. (PNA)