ILOILO CITY (PIA6) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who has been installed as Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), has encouraged students to be agents of change as they go along with their journey as scouters.
In his message, during the opening celebration of the 18th National Scout Jamboree (NSJ) on Dec. 11 at Pintados de Passi Camp, Passi City, Marcos stressed how scouting flags play a “vital role in fostering the spirit of camaraderie and leadership” which could contribute to the government’s goal of building a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
ILOILO CITY (PIA6) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who has been installed as Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), has encouraged students to be agents of change as they go along with their journey as scouters.
In his message, during the opening celebration of the 18th National Scout Jamboree (NSJ) on Dec. 11 at Pintados de Passi Camp, Passi City, Marcos stressed how scouting flags play a “vital role in fostering the spirit of camaraderie and leadership” which could contribute to the government’s goal of building a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“With its unique blend of education, adventure, [and] fun, scouting continues to inspire our young people to become active and productive members of society. Each of you here is called upon to help shape our future and create a better and more sustainable world,” the President said.
Marcos also recalled his own experiences as a scouter, noting that the jamboree is the “mother of all activities” in scouters’ lives.
“It reminds us not only of the continued importance of scouting but also of the enduring legacy of the scouting movement in our country,” he added.
More than 35,000 scouters and other guests nationwide are participating in the weeklong national scouting event – the biggest in history, according to the BSP.
Some of the thrilling activities in store for the scouters in the jamboree include the Grand Campfire, “Passi-klaban ng Passi-ganda at Passi-gwapo sa 18th NSJ”, Street Dance Fest, Fancy Drill, Scout Rally, Friendship Hunt, and Rovers Get Together.
Meanwhile, some of the scouters expressed their excitement for the event, which started on Dec. 11 and ended on Dec.17.
Brix Retamal, who has already been attending scouting events for eight years, said that his stay so far in Iloilo is good, citing that the national jamboree will further develop his character and skills.
“To have more adventure, at saka sa socialization din […] To build more on my character development po and ma-enhance ang aming skills,” the 17-year-old scouter from Dapitan City said.
“I feel empowered when joining the scouting […] madami kaming scouters and na-enhance yung discipline namin,” Venz Carlo Alegrado from Misamis Occidental also noted.
Erica Clavano, a lady scout from Zamboanga Sibugay, on the other hand, stressed that there’s nothing wrong with ladies like her joining the jamboree as it is one way of embracing inclusivity.
“Change is the only constant thing in this world, so we should adapt to change and try things […] I believe kung ano naman kaya ng lalaki, kaya ko rin, namin,” Clavano said.
The 18th NSJ aims to provide a progressive, exciting, challenging, safe, and enjoyable learning environment for the Scouts in order to enhance their full social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional, and spiritual potential as active citizens, making real contributions to creating a better community. (AAL/JNH/ PIA Iloilo)
