DepEd Revitalizes Boy Scouting in Schools

In recognition of the significant role of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) in assisting the school system mold pupils and students into becoming responsible citizens, the Department of Education has revitalized boy scouting in the elementary and secondary levels.

With the BSP’s impressive track record on youth development, the scouting is an effective program in leadership and value formation of every child. It specifically aims to develop boys and young men into well-rounded individuals with exemplary character worth emulating by schoolchildren.

To support the initiatives of the organization, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus urged the officials and personnel of the Department to be members of the BSP. Likewise, school heads of both public and private elementary and high schools were encouraged to promote membership among pupils, students, parents and teachers at the start of a school year.

The DepEd chief, however, stressed that “membership to the BSP is voluntary and shall not be made a condition for enrolment, transfer or clearance of pupils and students.” Membership fees and other fund-raising activities of the BSP shall be collected by unit leaders who will immediately remit in full to the local councils duly chartered by the BSP national office. “No quota on membership shall be required,” Lapus added.

The authorized membership fees are P40 for scouts and unit leaders, and P100 for institutional and parent representatives.

The Secretary directed field officials to designate their education supervisors and department heads or teachers as scouting coordinators to support and monitor the implementation of the Boy Scouts’ program to ensure its benefits to schoolchildren interested in the movement.

The Center for Students and Co-curricular Affairs (CSCA) shall serve as the office-in-charge of all scouting activities in the Department.

By Cherry Morada