Cebu City is moving forward with plans to transform the deteriorating Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Capitol Hills Scout Camp in Barangay Lahug into a modern youth development and scouting centre, following a partnership agreement for a new two-level Jamboree Hall that can accommodate at least 1,400 people.
Mayor Nestor Archival and BSP National President Emilio Aquino signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on November 4, 2026, formalizing their partnership to construct the multipurpose facility within the 20-hectare Capitol Hills property.
The planned hall will have an estimated total floor area of 1,240 square metres and will include a main event space, raised stage, function rooms and supporting facilities. It is intended to host scouting activities, leadership training, camps and other programmes for young people.
However, the agreement does not yet mean construction is ready to begin. The project is part of a much larger proposed redevelopment estimated to cost between ₱400 million and ₱500 million, and the specific funding allocation and construction timetable for the hall have not yet been announced. SunStar Publishing Inc.+2
New Jamboree Hall Designed to Accommodate 1,400 People
The proposed Jamboree Hall will occupy a 1,000-square-metre site within the Capitol Hills Scout Camp, with an estimated 1,240 square metres of total floor area.
Its planned features include:
- A main hall capable of accommodating at least 1,400 people
- A raised stage for ceremonies, presentations and major events
- Function rooms for meetings and training sessions
- Supporting facilities for scouting and youth programmes
- Accessibility features for people with mobility needs
- Natural ventilation to improve indoor comfort
- Rainwater collection facilities
- Provisions for possible future solar panel installation
The environmentally conscious design is intended to make the facility more practical and sustainable while providing a dedicated venue for large gatherings.
The hall is expected to support activities that promote leadership, discipline, teamwork, self-reliance and community service among young people.
For Cebu, the project could also provide a permanent venue for large scouting gatherings that previously had to be organized elsewhere because of the condition of the existing camp. SunStar Publishing Inc.+1
₱400 Million to ₱500 Million Redevelopment Planned for Capitol Hills
The Jamboree Hall is only one component of the proposed rehabilitation of the entire Capitol Hills Scout Camp.
In July 2026, Archival announced plans to redevelop the 20-hectare property after observing that several existing buildings had deteriorated and were no longer suitable for regular use.
The wider proposal includes:
- Construction of the new Jamboree Hall
- Rehabilitation of existing scouting facilities
- Development of activity and camping grounds
- Construction of a perimeter fence
- Restoration of other facilities, including the swimming pool
- Improvements to the camp’s overall infrastructure
Archival estimated that the redevelopment could require between ₱400 million and ₱500 million.
During earlier discussions, the mayor said the city could explore providing financial assistance, but no specific Cebu City allocation had been finalized at that time. He also sought support from the national government and discussed the proposal with Department of Budget and Management officials.
The July discussions involved preparing a comprehensive development plan with assistance from the Department of Public Works and Highways and BSP representatives.
The November 4 agreement marks a significant step in the partnership, but the overall redevelopment still requires funding arrangements, detailed planning and implementation. SunStar Publishing Inc.+2
Why Cebu Wants to Restore the Historic Scout Camp
The Capitol Hills property has long served as an important location for scouting activities in Cebu.
However, the deterioration of its facilities has reduced its usefulness as a venue for camps, training and large scouting events.
Archival previously said that several buildings were already in poor condition when he inspected the property. He also raised concerns about unauthorized entry, tree cutting and the possibility of informal structures being built inside the camp.
The proposed perimeter fence is intended to help protect the property while rehabilitation work is being planned.
The mayor emphasized that restoring the camp is not simply about constructing a new building. It is also about bringing back a dedicated space where young people can develop leadership skills, discipline and a stronger sense of responsibility toward their communities.
BSP National President Aquino welcomed the partnership, describing scouting as an opportunity to help young people develop their abilities and contribute to society.
The project could therefore benefit not only Cebu-based scouts but also scouting groups from other parts of the Philippines that may eventually use the upgraded facilities. Cebuanos News Ph+1
Cebu Hopes to Host National and International Scouting Events
One of the city’s longer-term ambitions is to position Cebu as a venue for major scouting gatherings, including a possible international jamboree.
A jamboree is a large scouting event that brings young people together for camping, outdoor activities, leadership development, cultural exchange and community-building programmes.
Archival previously said that restoring the Capitol Hills property could help Cebu attract scouting chapters from across the country.
He also expressed hope that the city could eventually bid to host an international jamboree after the camp’s rehabilitation.
Such an event could bring additional visitors to Cebu and create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, suppliers and other local businesses.
However, Cebu has not yet secured the right to host an international jamboree. The city’s ambition remains a long-term objective dependent on the completion of the redevelopment and the requirements of the relevant scouting organizations.
The first major step is to restore the camp and ensure that its facilities can safely accommodate large groups. The Freeman+2
Project Funding and Construction Schedule Remain Key Questions
Despite the signing of the MOA, several important details remain unresolved.
The reported ₱400-million to ₱500-million estimate covers the proposed redevelopment of the wider Capitol Hills property, not just the Jamboree Hall.
The specific cost of constructing the hall has not been separately disclosed. Neither has the final breakdown of contributions from the Cebu City Government, the BSP or the national government.
A construction start date and completion deadline have also yet to be announced.
These details will be important in determining how quickly the project can move from an agreement into actual construction.
The property is owned by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, according to Archival’s earlier explanation reported by SunStar Cebu. The proposed partnership therefore involves the city supporting the rehabilitation of a BSP-owned facility rather than simply developing a city-owned convention building.
The final funding and implementation arrangements will need to clarify the responsibilities of each party. SunStar Publishing Inc.+2
Cebu’s Other Major Projects Highlight the Importance of Implementation
The Jamboree Hall proposal comes as Cebu continues to pursue investments in education, technology, infrastructure and public facilities.
One example is Cebu Normal University’s ₱947.83-million Centralized Student Smart Hub project. As WWC ONE MEDIA reported in Cebu Normal University’s ₱947-Million Smart Hub Project Is Still Under Scrutiny — Now Its Contractor Says the System Is Ready, the initiative has faced questions over implementation delays, procurement documentation and equipment distribution. The case demonstrates why public projects must be evaluated not only by their proposed benefits but also by whether they are completed and become usable.
Cebu is also exploring technology and manufacturing investments. WWC ONE MEDIA previously covered the province’s efforts in Cebu Courts China and South Korea for an AI Research Hub as a Singapore-Linked EV Venture Eyes Local Manufacturing. Those proposals, like the scout camp redevelopment, still depend on turning discussions and plans into operational projects.
Infrastructure planning also remains a major concern for the city. In Cebu Flood Crisis Deepens as 65 Developers Come Under Scrutiny, WWC ONE MEDIA examined the city’s efforts to check whether developments have functioning flood-mitigation facilities.
Meanwhile, Cebu Needs ₱11.17 Billion to Recover From Typhoon Tino One Year Later detailed the province’s continuing infrastructure rehabilitation needs, including unfinished bridge and road projects.
These developments underscore a common challenge facing Cebu: ambitious projects need clear financing, accountable implementation and measurable results before residents can enjoy their promised benefits.
What the Jamboree Hall Could Mean for Cebu’s Youth
If completed, the new facility could provide a central venue for scouting programmes, leadership seminars, youth camps and large gatherings.
A properly equipped hall could also make it easier for the BSP to organize training activities and events without relying on facilities outside the camp.
For young people, the potential benefits go beyond having a new building. Scouting programmes emphasize practical skills, teamwork, discipline, outdoor learning and service to the community.
The project could also help revive interest in scouting by giving local organizations a more suitable place to conduct activities and attract new members.
For Cebu’s tourism and events sectors, hosting national scouting activities could bring visitors and generate demand for accommodation, food, transportation and other services.
But those benefits will depend on the quality of the finished facilities, how accessible they are to scouting groups and whether the camp can sustain its operations over the long term.
The Next Challenge Is Turning the Agreement Into a Finished Facility
The November 4 MOA between Cebu City and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines gives the Capitol Hills redevelopment a clearer path forward.
The planned 1,400-capacity Jamboree Hall could become a major venue for youth development and scouting events, while the wider ₱400-million to ₱500-million rehabilitation could restore the 20-hectare camp to its former importance.
Yet the biggest questions remain unanswered: How much will the hall itself cost? Where will the final funding come from? When will construction begin? And when can Cebu realistically bid to host an international jamboree?
For now, the agreement represents a commitment to move the project forward—not confirmation that construction has started or that the entire redevelopment is fully funded.
Cebu has set its sights on restoring a major home for scouting and creating new opportunities for its youth. The real test will be whether the partnership delivers a completed, accessible and sustainable facility that young people can use for generations.
