DepEd moves to strengthen Scouting policies in schools

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is pushing to revise and strengthen school-based Scouting policies to make programs more inclusive, focused on character formation and responsive to learners’ current needs.

DepEd recently gathered Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts leaders and education partners for the Stakeholders’ Convergence on the Harmonization of Scouting Programs in Basic Education, where participants discussed revisions to guidelines under DepEd Order Nos. 76 and 86, series of 2012.

The convergence was held on Aug. 25.

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Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Scouting provides learners with practical skills beyond classroom instruction.

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“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,” Angara said.

“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,” he added.

DepEd said the initiative is aligned with its Quality Basic Education Development Plan and Five-Point Reform Agenda.

The agency considers Scouting a co-curricular activity that can help develop character, leadership and community service while supporting learners’ physical and mental well-being and curbing school-based violence.

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The policy review is also part of broader DepEd reforms intended to protect schools from learning disruptions and safety risks.

Officials from 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 National Eagle Scouts Association of the Philippines attended the convergence.

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Representatives from the National Youth Commission and National Federation of Supreme Secondary Learner Government, as well as veteran DepEd Scouting advisers, also participated.

BSP Senior Vice President Jose Mari G. Pelaez said challenges encountered in implementing Scouting programs in schools underscored the need to update existing policies.

Pelaez also emphasized the long-standing partnership between DepEd and Scouting organizations in providing activities aimed at developing well-rounded learners.

GSP National President Cristina Lim-Yuson, meanwhile, said collaboration among DepEd and community partners helps ensure that education goes beyond academics to develop confident, resilient, compassionate and active learners.

Lim-Yuson said the initiative was not merely about funding but also about shared responsibility, with schools identifying learners’ needs and partner organizations providing the necessary resources and training.

Participants agreed to promote Scouting as a leading co-curricular activity for building character and fostering peace and safety inside and outside schools.

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DepEd said the finalized policy framework is expected to help institutionalize Scouting as a major component of its efforts to provide learners with a safe and meaningful learning environment.