In line with the ongoing Scouting Month.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening the Scouting program within basic education as it moves, through a proposed policy, to elevate Scouting into a well-organized and structured program for personal development.
Thie aims to mold students who possess the capacity to lead, serve, respond to disasters, and contribute meaningfully to their schools and communities.
Thus, it will focus on equipping Filipino youth with practical skills in leadership, responsible citizenship, community service, interpersonal relations, environmental stewardship, safety, and emergency preparedness. All of which complement the lessons learned inside the classroom.
The proposed policy was adopted during a multi-stakeholder workshop held from October 5 to 8, which was attended by DepEd officials, field implementers, student representatives, and Scouting leaders.
In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said: “Scouting is more than learning how to tie knots or pitch tents; it is about building character and saving lives. We want our learners to be equipped with practical skills, like knowing exactly what to do during typhoons, earthquakes, or accidents.”
The policy aims to make Scouting more inclusive and accessible, while also safeguarding voluntary participation, student safety, instructional time, and the well-being of teachers and other staff involved in Scouting activities.
Moreover, the policy also seeks to provide clearer guidance for schools and field offices on how to integrate Scouting into student development programs, in collaboration with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP).
This initiative also aligns with DepEd’s broader reform agenda and the Quality Basic Education Development Plan (QBEDP) and highlights true inspirations within the Scouting community—such as Scout Chris Lorenz Fabian—whose courage and dedication to service exemplify the nobility that DepEd is promoting.
A key policy direction focuses on Scouting’s contribution toward safer and more resilient school communities.
Through age-appropriate activities centered on disaster preparedness, first aid, hazard awareness, outdoor learning, peer support, and community engagement, Scouting helps students become better prepared and capable of responding to natural hazards and human-induced disasters.
“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,” added Angara.
This holistic approach reinforces the policies for young Filipinos who possess the necessary knowledge and practical skills, who are all ready to take action during emergencies, are active in sports and community life, demonstrate leadership and collaborative abilities, and are beginning to discern their preferred paths in education and their future careers.
Following the validation process, the draft policy will undergo further technical review before being submitted for final approval and official nationwide implementation.
