Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) announced its intention to modernize and promote a more inclusive scouting policy within basic education, emphasizing real-world skills acquisition for students.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara articulated the importance of updating scouting policies to ensure students develop leadership skills, resilience, and civic duty within a safe and supportive environment. This statement was made following the Stakeholders' Convergence on the Harmonization of Scouting Programs in Basic Education held on August 25.
The modernization of the scouting program forms part of the agency's Quality Basic Education Development Plan and Five-Point Reform Agenda under Secretary Angara. During the recent convergence, stakeholders revisited guidelines and considered updates to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Programs as outlined in DepEd Order Nos. 76 and 86, series of 2012.
Senior Vice President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Jose Mari Pelaez, emphasized the necessity of offering activities that promote comprehensive learner development, acknowledging the real-world challenges that current policies face in schools.
Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) President Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson highlighted the significance of continuous collaboration between DepEd and community partners. She noted that the initiative transcends funding concerns and is fundamentally a 'shared responsibility.'
The updated guidelines are seen by DepEd as a means to enhance learning environments and safeguard students' physical and mental health. This involves fostering character development, leadership, and community service, which are also instrumental in reducing school-based violence.
Angara stressed that scouting is integral to character building, equipping learners with practical tools like discipline, teamwork, and crisis management that enrich their classroom learning. Currently, DepEd is in the process of modernizing these guidelines while simultaneously advancing broader policy reforms to tackle challenges related to school safety risks and learning disruptions.
