In line with its goal to make the program more inclusive, focused on character building, and aligned with the current needs of students.
Last August 25, the Department of Education (DepEd) convened leaders from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as education sector partners, to strengthen existing scouting guidelines in schools.
Officials from major scouting organizations attended the gathering, including the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Chief Girl Scout Medalists, Association of Top Achievers Scout–Philippine Chapter, and the National Eagle Scouts Association of the Philippines.
Representatives from the National Youth Commission, the National Federation of Supreme Secondary Learner Government, and veteran DepEd scouting advisers also participated.
During the event, participants focused on revising the Boy Scouts and Girl Scout guidelines established under DepEd Order Nos. 76 and 86, series of 2012, to ensuretthat the program remains meaningful and inclusive—aligning with the Quality Basic Education Development Plan and the Five-Point Reform Agenda.
“Scouting is not just a co-curricular activity; it is a cornerstone of character building. It’s about giving our learners practical tools like discipline, teamwork, and crisis management that ground them for life and directly enrich what they learn in class,” said Secretary Angara. “We are modernizing these policies to ensure every learner gains access to real-world leadership skills, resilience, and a strong sense of civic duty in a safe, supportive environment.”
As a co-curricular activity, scouting plays a significant role in enabling a better learning environment that safeguards students’ physical and mental health by curbing school violence and cultivating character, leadership, and community service.
The DepEd told that the modernization of these guidelines is parallel to the broader DepEd policy reforms aimed at protecting schools from safety threats and disruptions to learning.
For the BSP’s part, Senior Vice President Jose Mari Pelaez stressed that the practical challenges involved in implementing scouting programs in schools necessitate an update to existing policies.
He also acknowledged the long-standing collaboration between DepEd and scouting organizations in delivering activities that foster the holistic development of students.
Meanwhile, GSP National President Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson stated that collaboration with DepEd and community partners ensures that education extends beyond academics, shaping students who are self-confident, resilient, and compassionate toward others.
Furthermore, she added that the initiative is not merely about funding but about shared responsibility, wherein schools identify needs while partner organizations provide the necessary equipment and training.
Moreover, the participants of the said convergence meeting agreed to promote scouting as a key co-curricular activity that plays a critical role in character building and in fostering a culture of peace and safety, both within and outside the school.
The resulting policy framework is expected to serve as the foundation for institutionalizing scouting as a key pillar in DepEd’s ongoing efforts to ensure safe and meaningful learning for students.
