SCOUTING: A MOVEMENT OF VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

A sense of adventure and duty beckons to the hearts of scouts both young and old. Today, we celebrate the establishment of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and along with this, multiple generations of brotherhood and service. 

Written by: Sean Aldrich Siruno

Layout by: Bernadette Ojo

October 31, 2023 | 1:30 P.M.

The story of scouting was introduced to the Philippines through the influence of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). This was when the nation was still a colony of the United States of America. Following this, the Philippines observed its movement and aimed to instill purpose in young Filipino boys. This served as the catalyst to the formation of the early Filipino troop of Scouts in the later months of 1914.

With the cooperation of other civic-oriented groups such as the Knights of Columbus, American Legions, United States Army, and many others, the initiative of the Rotary Club in Manila established a Scouting organization named the Philippine Council of the Boy Scouts of America jurisdiction in Manila. This organization started the home-grown cultivation of Scouting here in the country, to teach and guide young Filipino boys on purpose, skills, and duty to the nation.

In October of 1936, The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) was formally established with the assistance of Iloilo Assemblyman, Tomas Confesor who signed into law the Commonwealth Act. No. 111 by President Manuel L. Quezon. This states that the Boy Scouts of the Philippines is a legitimized organization within the Philippines. Since then, scouting has played a crucial role in the development of young people in the Philippines, imparting values and life skills to countless Filipino children across the nation.

The charter members or the founding fathers of the BSP were Joseph Stevenot, Arsenio Luz, Carlos Romulo, Vicente Lim, Manuel Camus, Jorge Vargas, and Gabriel Daza. 

Every month of October is always celebrated as the scouting month in the Philippines, where parades, camping, and all activities big and small are celebrated by scouts across the nation. This was in honor of establishing the national scouting organization in the Philippines in October of 1936. Scouting month is a way to showcase the development of youth in engaging activities that build skill, interaction, and good habits to become agents of change in their communities, and possibly, the future leaders of our country.

“Young minds were initiated into the world of scouting, absorbing its timeless values and principles, and igniting a passion for exploration," stated Llander Sinagub, President of the Malatean Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

The Philippines celebrated this Scouting Month with the theme “Sustaining Growth” for each scout to start activities and advocacy within their scouting program to foster sustainability and care for nature. Additionally, BSP Manila Council launched their annual Scouting Sunrise Parade to welcome Scouting Month. Malate Catholic School's very own Boy Scouts have attended and even assisted with the program. 

The Malatean Scouts of the Philippines have been working hard to teach its members responsibility, patriotism, and the fear of God. Scouts adhere to these laws to serve at the moment's notice with the skills learned and acquired. And this month, they are striving to emphasize these traits.

“Scouting embodies a person's service and dedication to do a good turn daily and as our founder says, to try to put happiness into the lives of others,” said Ian Sullano, Vice President of the Malatean Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Scouting is not merely an organization, but a movement, a way of life. Being a scout means having discipline, respect, and obtaining a love for service. It is a guide as we navigate the winding pathways on this adventure we call life.