MANILA — The Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Wednesday that it aims to transform Scouting into a platform for building life skills and competencies, citing the continued threat that natural hazards and human-induced emergencies pose to student safety in schools. The Philippines sits along the Pacific typhoon belt and the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, an exposure that keeps school emergency preparedness a persistent national concern.

“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.

Under the proposed framework, Scouting policies would be expanded beyond outdoor skills and activities to equip students with practical competencies in leadership, first aid, risk awareness, peer support, and community engagement. The program is also expected to cover citizenship, community service, teamwork, and environmental stewardship — skills intended to 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 would help develop practical and responsive learners who can adapt to the realities they face both inside and outside school.

DepEd said it plans to integrate the strengthened policies into learner-development programs in close coordination with the Boy of the Philippines (BSP) and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP). Both organizations are among the country's longest-standing youth institutions — the BSP was chartered in 1936 and the GSP in 1940 — and school-based Scouting has long been part of Philippine basic education.

“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. As the framework remains at the proposal stage, how it is formalized and rolled out with the two scout organizations will be the next developments to watch.

The move to enhance Scouting policies follows the death of young Scout Chris Lorenz Fabian, who was among the three slain victims in the deadly Tacloban school shooting in June. The 15-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

Source: BusinessWorld