The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Wednesday that it aims to transform Scouting into a platform for building life skills and competencies, as natural hazards and human-induced emergencies continue to threaten students’ safety in schools.
“Scouting is more than learning how to tie knots or pitch tents; it is about building character and saving lives,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in a news release.
“We want our learners to be equipped with practical skills, like knowing exactly what to do during typhoons, earthquakes, or accidents,” he added.
The proposed framework aims to expand Scouting policies beyond outdoor skills and activities by equipping students with practical competencies in leadership, first aid, risk awareness, peer support, and community engagement.
The program must also include leadership, citizenship, community service, teamwork, and environmental stewardship skills that complement classroom learning.
“By integrating these life-saving competencies into basic education, we are raising a generation of young Filipinos who are disciplined, ready to lead, and prepared to serve their communities in times of need,” Mr. Angara said.
He added that the program’s new direction will help develop practical and responsive learners who can adapt to the realities they face inside and outside school.
DepEd noted that it plans to integrate the strengthened policies into learner-development programs, in close coordination with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP).
“The policy aims to make Scouting more inclusive and accessible while protecting voluntary participation, learner safety, instructional time, and the welfare of teachers and other personnel involved in Scouting activities,” the agency said.
The move to enhance Scouting policies comes after the passing of young Scout Chris Lorenz Fabian, who was among the three slain victims in the deadly Tacloban school shooting in June.
The fifteen-year-old Scout was reportedly shot after holding the classroom door shut to stop the armed suspect and protect his classmates.
“Real-life examples of inspiration within the Scouting community, such as Scout Chris Lorenz Fabian, whose courage and dedication to service embody the heroic spirit DepEd seeks to cultivate among learners and educators alike,” the agency said.
In August, DepEd posthumously conferred the DepEd Heroes Award on Mr. Fabian. — Almira Louise S. Martinez