The Department of Education gathered Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts leaders alongside education partners on Aug. 25 for the Stakeholders’ Convergence on the Harmonization of Scouting Programs in Basic Education. Officials used the meeting to discuss revisions to school-based Scouting guidelines under DepEd Order Nos. 76 and 86, series of 2012, aiming to make programs more inclusive and responsive to current student needs.
Education Department Pushes Modernized Scouting Policies
Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the policy review seeks to modernize existing frameworks so that students gain practical tools beyond classroom instruction. According to Angara, the agency views Scouting as a cornerstone of character building rather than a simple co-curricular activity. The initiative aligns directly with the agency’s Quality Basic Education Development Plan and Five-Point Reform Agenda.
“Scouting is not just a co-curricular activity; it is a cornerstone of character building,” Angara said. “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.” He added that the modernization effort ensures every learner accesses real-world leadership skills, resilience, and civic duty within a safe environment.
Stakeholders Discuss Implementation Challenges and Reforms
Leaders from multiple organizations attended the August convergence, including representatives from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Chief Girl Scout Medalists, the Association of Top Achievers Scout–Philippine Chapter, and the National Eagle Scouts Association of the Philippines. Additional participants included the National Youth Commission, the National Federation of Supreme Secondary Learner Government, and veteran DepEd Scouting advisers.
Pelaez also pointed to the long-standing partnership between the department and Scouting organizations in fostering well-rounded learners. Girl Scouts of the Philippines National President Cristina Lim-Yuson emphasized that collaboration helps education extend beyond academics to build confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals. Lim-Yuson explained that the initiative focuses on shared responsibility, with schools identifying needs while partner organizations supply resources and training.
Expected Outcomes for Basic Education Safety and Character
DepEd considers the updated Scouting framework an integral part of broader reforms designed to protect schools from learning disruptions and safety risks. Agency officials reported that the program supports students’ physical and mental well-being while actively curbing school-based violence.
Participants at the convergence agreed to promote Scouting as a primary co-curricular tool for building character and fostering safety inside and outside schools. Once finalized, the revised policy framework is expected to help institutionalize Scouting as a major component of creating a safe and meaningful learning environment for all students.
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