What is Scouting?

(Introduction to BSP)

Scouting is fun with a purpose, directed
towards helping boys and girls become happy,
healthy, useful citizens

Scouting is...

Education for Life
Scouting complements the school and the
family, filling needs not met by either. Scouting
develops self-knowledge and the need to explore, to
discover, and to want to know. Scouts discover the
world beyond the classroom, tapping the skills of
others to learn and to become well-rounded people.
Fun with a Purpose
Through recreation, Scouting achieves its
purpose of helping young people develop physically,
intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Scouting is all
about building confidence and self-esteem, learning
important life skills and leadership skills, team
building, outdoor adventure, education, and fun!
Scouts learn how to make good choices and to take
responsibility for their actions so that they are
prepared for their adult life as independent persons.
A Worldwide Movement
There are Scout associations and branches in
more than 216 countries and territories. Scouting has
never stopped growing since its founding in 1907.
Today there are more than 25 million Scouts. Over
300 million people have been members in the more
than 90 years since Scouting was founded. While
Scouting is adapted to local needs and culture, its
Purpose, Principles, and Method are the same world
wide.
Open to All
Scouting is open to all without distinction of
origin, race, class, or creed, provided that the person
voluntarily adheres to Scouting's Principles.
A Code of Living
Scouting's Principles describe a simple code
of living to which all Scouts make a personal
commitment through the Scout Promise and Law.
Scouting helps Scouts learn how to carry out their
commitment in everyday life. This approach to life has
three dimensions:

A Spiritual Dimension A commitment to seek the
spiritual value of life beyond the material world.
A Social Dimension Participating in the
development of society, and respecting the dignity of
others and the integrity of the natural world.
Promoting local, national, and international peace,
understanding, and cooperation.
A Personal Dimension Developing a sense of
personal responsibility and stimulating the desire for
responsible self-expression.

Scouting in the
Philippines
The Scout Movement reached Philippine shores in
1910 when the first, but alas now unknown, Scouters
sought to afford young people the opportunities of
learning with adventure in an outdoor setting using the
Patrol and group method.
In 1923 the Scout Method received formal
organization in the Philippines with the founding of
the Philippine Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Since then, Scouting has grown exponentially in these
islands.
Birth of BSP
Scouting was introduced in the Philippines by the
Americans as early as 1910. However, the earliest
recorded all-Filipino troop was organized in
Zamboanga by a young second lieutenant by the name
of Sherman L. Kiser through the sponsorship of Mrs.
Caroline S. Spencer, an American widow who was in
the Philippines to do works of charity with the people
of Sulu in 1914. The troop was composed of 26
Muslim boys and was known as the Lorillard Spencer
Troop in honor of Mrs. Spencers son who was an
active Scout in the U.S.A.
In 1923, the Philippine Council BSA was formed
through the efforts of the Rotary Club of Manila
mainly to launch Scouting as a nationwide movement
and provide guidance to the troops which had been
independently organized throughout the country.
Eventually, through the issuance of Commonwealth
Act No. 111 by then President Manuel L. Quezon on
October 31, 1936, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines
was established as a public corporation tasked to,
according to Section 3 of the law.
to promote through organization and cooperation
with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for
themselves and others, to train them in Scout craft,
and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance,
and kindred virtues, using the methods which are in
common use by Boy Scouts.
From the early troops in 1914, the Boy Scouts of the
Philippines prides itself today as one of the largest
Scout organizations in the world, in terms of the
number of Scouts against the number of young people
of Scouting age, with over 2 million members
nationwide.
The Scout Oath
On my honor,
I will do my best,
to do my duty to God and my country,
the Republic of the Philippines,
and to obey the Scout Law,
to help other people at all times,
to keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake and morally straight.
-o0o-
Ang Panunumpa Ng
Scout
Sa ngalan ng aking dangal
ay gagawin ko ang buong makakaya;
Upang tumupad sa aking tungkulin sa Diyos at sa
aking Bayan,
ang Republika ng Pilipinas
at sumunod sa Batas ng Scout;
Tumulong sa ibang tao sa lahat ng pagkakataon;
Pamalagiing malakas ang aking katawan,
gising ang isipan at marangal ang asal.
The Scout Oath
Explained
On My Honor
Honor is your most precious and sacred possession in
life. It includes your good name, your integrity and
good reputation. When you commit yourself to the
Scout Oath, you promise to live by its precepts in
order to give meaning and idealism to your way of
life.
I Will Do My Best
In everything you do, you promise to do the best you
can. If anything worth doing is worth doing at all, it is
worth doing well. Doing your best is your personal
challenge. Always strive to do your best in everything
you do.
To Do My Duty to God and My Country
We, who belong to the Scout Movement believe in
God. We may not all worship Him in the same way,
but we are one in our faith and belief that He is the
Supreme Being, our Lord and Master. To do your duty
to God, you must worship Him and follow His
teachings according to your own religious beliefs. You
will find happiness in life if you faithfully do your
duty to God.
The Republic of the Philippines
Our country, the Philippines deserves our full love and
dedication. The pages of our history are brightened by
outstanding deeds of self-sacrifice and love of country
of great Filipinos like Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. Del
Pilar, Apolinario Mabini, Lapu-lapu, Andres
Bonifacio. Fr. Jose Burgos, Jose Abad Santos,
Graciano Lopez Jaena, Sultan Kudarat, Ninoy Aquino
and others. They sacrificed their fortunes, their future,
even their very lives so that our country would
continue to exist in freedom and dignity. We do our
duty to our country by being good citizens, by
following the laws of the land, by living up to its
noble traditions and the culture of our people and by
contributing to the building and development of our
nations.
And To Obey the Scout Law
In trying to live up to the Scout Oath you will need
the Scout Law to guide you. The twelve points of the
Scout Law are our norm of conduct as we travel along
the Scouting trail through life. Thus you are asked to
commit yourself to the Scout Oath and Law as your
way of life.
To Help Other People At All Times
One reason why Scouting has flourished in this
country is because it has received the willing support
of the public. Scouting merits this support because
Scouts have demonstrated that they are useful
members of society. This is evident when Scouts
perform rescue work in cases of disaster fires,
earthquakes, typhoons and floods. During emergencies
anywhere, Scouts are always among the first to
volunteer for service and perform tasks which
ordinarily belong to adults. In normal times, Scouts
have shown that they are ready to participate and even
initiate community and service projects that benefit
the community. The spirit of service is in the heart of
all true Scouts.
To Keep Myself Physically Strong
By now, you will have learned certain rules of health
and hygiene in school which if observed will help you
live a healthy and happy life. Sound minds dwell in
sound bodies. If you want to have an alert mind and be
always ready to serve others, you must keep yourself
physically healthy and strong.
Mentally Awake
Being mentally awake reflects mental alertness and
mental health. It is not enough that a Scout is
physically healthy; he must be mentally awake too.
His reflexes, his responses, his movements must
always be ready to respond to his needs and the needs
of the situation.
And Morally Straight
A Scout must be a model of moral uprightness. His
norm of conduct must be beyond reproach. His
thoughts, words and deeds should always reflect his
high ideals and sound moral values.
Sense of Honor
The first point of the Law, namely, a Scouts honor is to be
trusted (A Scout is Trustworthy),is one on which the whole of the
Scouts future behavior and discipline hangs. The Scout is
expected to be straight. So it would be very carefully explained,
as a first step, by the Troop Leader to his boys before taking the
Scout Oath.
The investiture of the Scout is purposely made into
something of a ceremony, since a little ritual of that
kind, if carried out with strict solemnity, impresses the
boy; considering the great importance of the occasion,
it is only right that he should be impressed as much as
possible. Then it is of great importance that the Scout
should periodically renew his knowledge of the Law.
Boys are apt to be forgetful, and it should never be
allowed that a boy who has made his solemn promise
to carry out the Scout Law should, at any time, not be
able to say what the Law is.
Once the Scout understands what his honor is and has,
by his initiation, been put upon his honor, the Troop
Leader must entirely trust him to do things. You must
show him by your action that you consider him a
responsible person. Give him charge of something,
whether temporary or permanent, and expect him to
carry out his charge faithfully. Dont keep prying to
see how he does it. Let him do it his own way, let him
come a howler over if it need be, but in any case leave
him alone and trust him to do his best. Trust should be
the basis of all moral training.
Giving responsibility is the key to success with boys,
especially with the rowdiest and most difficult boys.
The object of the Patrol System is mainly to give real
responsibility to as many of the boys as possible with
a view to developing their character. If the troop
leader gives his Patrol Leader real power, expects a
great deal from him, and leaves him a free hand in
carrying out his work, he will have done more for the
boys character expansion than any amount of school-
training could ever do.


The Scout Law
A Scout is
TRUSTWORTHY
LOYAL
HELPFUL
FRIENDLY
COURTEOUS
KIND
OBEDIENT
CHEERFUL
THRIFTY
BRAVE
CLEAN
REVERENT
The Scout Law
Explained
A Scout is Trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth. He
keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of
conduct. People can always depend on him.
A Scout is Loyal. A Scout is true to his family,
friends. Scout Leaders, school, nation, and world
community.
A Scout is Helpful. A Scout is concerned about other
people. He willingly volunteers to help others without
expecting payment or reward.
A Scout is Friendly. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a
brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others.
He respects those with ideas and customs that are
different from his own.
A Scout is Courteous. A Scout is polite to everyone
regardless of age or position. He knows that good
manners make it easier for people to get along
together.
A Scout is Kind. A Scout understands there is
strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants
to be treated. He does not harm nor kill any living
creature needlessly but will strive to save and protect
all harmless life.
A Scout is Obedient. A Scout follows the rules of his
family, school and troop. He obeys the laws of his
community and country. If he thinks these rules and
laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an
orderly manner rather than disobey them.
A Scout is Cheerful. A Scout looks for the bright side
of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He
tries to make others happy.
A Scout is Thrifty. A Scout works to pay his way and
to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and
conserves natural resources. He carefully uses his time
and property.
A Scout is Brave. A Scout can face danger even if he
is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he
thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten
him.
A Scout is Clean. A Scout keeps his body and mind
fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe
in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home
and community clean.
A Scout is Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God.
He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the
beliefs of others.
Paliwanag sa Batas ng Scout
Ang Scout ay Mapagkakatiwalaan. Ang Scout ay
nagsasabi ng katotohanan. Tumutupad siya sa
kanyang mga pangako. Ang pagiging matapat ay
bahagi ng kanyang pag-uugali. Siya ay maasahan ng
ibang tao.
Ang Scout ay Matapat. Ang Scout ay matapat sa
kanyang pamilya, mga kaibigan, mga pinuno sa
Scouting, sa paaralan at sa bayan.
Ang Scout ay Matulungin. Ang scout ay may kalinga
sa ibang tao. Nagsisikap siyang makatulong sa iba na
hindi naghihintay ng kabayaran o pabuya.
Ang Scout ay Mapagkaibigan. Ang Scout ay kaibigan
ng lahat. Itinuturing niyang kapatid ang kanyang mga
kapwa Scout. Sinisikap niyang umunawa sa iba.
Iginagalang niya ang mga paniniwala at kaugalian ng
ibang tao na naiiba sa kanya.
Ang Scout ay Magalang. Ang Scout ay magalang sa
sinuman ano pa man ang gulang nito o katayuan.
Alam niya na ang mabuting pag-uugali ay daan sa
magandang pagkakasunduan ng mga tao.
Ang Scout ay Mabait. Ang Scout ay nakakaunawa na
may angking lakas ang pagiging mabait. Itinuturing
niya ang iba gaya ng gusto nitong pagturing ng iba sa
kanya. Hindi siya nanakit o namiminsala ng mga
hayop at iba pang bagay na walang kadahilanan at
sinisikap niyang ito ay mapangalagaan.
Ang Scout ay Masunurin. Ang Scout ay sumusunod
sa mga alituntunin ng kanyang pamilya, paaralan at
tropa. Sumusunod siya sa mga batas ng kanyang
pamayanan at bayan. Kung inaakala niyang may mga
alituntuning hindi tama, sinusunod niya itoat hindi
sinusuway ngunit sinisikap niyang mabago iyon sa
matiwasay na pamamaraan.
Ang Scout ay Masaya. Ang Scout ay nagsisikap
tumingin sa maaliwalas na bahagi ng buhay. Masaya
niyang ginagampanan ang mga naiatang sa kanyang
mga tungkulin. Sinisikap niyang makapagbigay ng
lugod sa iba.
Ang Scout ay Matipid. Ang Scout ay gumagawa
upang matustusan ang kayang sarili at upang
makatulong sa iba. Nagiimpok siya para sa
hinaharap. Pinapangalagaan niya at ginagamit ng
wasto ang mga likas na yaman. Maingat siya sa
paggamit ng kanyang panahon at ariarian.
Ang Scout ay Matapang. Ang Scout ay may lakas ng
loob na humarap sa panganib kahit may taglay siyang
pangamba. Siya ay naninindigan sa mga inaakala
niyang tama at matuwid sa kabila ng tudyo o
pananakot ng iba.
Ang Scout ay Malinis. Ang Scout ay pinapanatiling
malinis ang kanyang katawan at kaisipan. Siya ay
sumasama sa mga taong may ganito ring panuntunan.
Tumutulong siya sa pagpapanatiling malinis ng
kanyang tahanan at pamayanan.
Ang Scout ay Maka-Diyos. Ang Scout ay mapitagan
sa Diyos. Tinutupad niya ang kanyang mga tungkulin
ng kanyang pananampalataya. Iginagalang niya ang
paniniwala ng iba sa kanilang pananampalataya.
The Scout Uniform
The Scout uniform gives the Scouts and Scouters a
sense of belonging to a worldwide organization. The
uniform of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines today,
has become a national symbol of young boys trained
to meet the responsibilities of their duty to GOD and
Country, to Others, and to Self.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines is the largest
uniformed volunteer organization in the country.
Scout and Scouters are nationally recognized and
accepted. We, in Scouting today, have inherited the
tradition of a uniform that stands for good character,
responsible citizenship, and selfless service. It is our
responsibility to safeguard this tradition and to hand it
down stronger and more honorable than ever to the
next generation of Scouts and Scouters.
What the Uniform Means
First of all, the Uniform makes you feel that you are a
member of our movement that you belong to a world-
wide brotherhood of young people numbering
millions. Everywhere you go, if you wear the Scout
Uniform, you will find Scout friends. This gives you a
feeling of comfort and ease.
Second, whenever and wherever you wear the
Uniform, it proclaims you as a person of character.
The Uniform symbolizes our Scout Oath, our Law,
our Daily Good Turn habit, and the Ideals of our
Movement. If you are to wear it, be sure to wear it
with honor.
Third, the Scout Uniform stands for Preparedness. An
accident occurs, a crowd gathers around. No one
knows just what to do. A uniformed Scout steps
quietly forward. The crowd lets him through, for he is
supposed to know what to do in an emergency. He
administers first aid and slips away, probably without
his name being known. The Scout uniform quietly
says that hero is a fellow who is ready to be helpful
to other people at all times.
Why is it that Scouts are expected to do these things?
Because Service is synonymous with Scouting.
Laging Handa is Scout Motto . No matter what
nationality or race or religion a Scout belongs to, he is
a brother to every other Scout.
Fourth, the uniform is a symbol of democracy. In
Scouting, young people stand shoulder to shoulder
regardless of social standing. The son of a governor or
that of a wealthy man becomes equal of a laborers
son in Scouting. Both pledged to give the same
service; both are sworn to the same Oath and Law; and
wear the same uniform. Poverty or social position is
no hindrance to the acquisition of advancement badges
and insignia of labor.
And lastly, the Uniform stands for Outdoor life. The
color and design of the shirt, the pants, the
neckerchief, the stockings, the shoes, and the hat, are
suggestive of the outdoors. Khaki blends beautifully
with the color of the outdoors. The reddish brown
color of th neckerchief symbolizes the iron rich soil of
the Philippines and its tropical environment which
remains a great challenge for Scouts to conquer,
conserve and preserve. Comfortable short pants, the
short-sleeved shirt, afford freedom of movement and
ease of motion. It is just the type of uniform an
outdoorsman will want to wear.
Furthermore, the many features of open-ness in the
Uniform point to Scouts honesty and trustworthiness.
The shorts, pants and the short-sleeved-shirt with
collar personify the spirit of a true Scout always
open and on the level, ever honest and ever deserving
of trust.
When to Wear the
Uniform
There is ONLY ONE WAY TO WEAR the Scout
Uniform CORRECT WAY. Study the illustrations
and use them as your guide.
The Scout Uniform is worn on the following
occasions:
1. In all activities of the Unit (meetings, hikes,
camps, rallies, camporees,
jamborees/jamborettes, etc.);
2. During special religious services services for
Scouts and Scouters;
3. When appearing for advancement before a
Board of Review or a Court of Honor; and
4. When prescribed for official and/or special
Scouting activities.
When NOT to Wear the
Uniform
1. When soliciting funds or engaged in any
selling, marketing or promotional campaign, or
in any commercial venture not related to
Scouting (This does not however, forbid
Scouts in uniform from selling tickets for
Scouts benefit shows, rallies, and similar
Scouting events);
2. When engaged in any endeavor/activity of a
political party;
3. When appearing professionally on stage, in
motion pictures, or modeling without specific
authority from the National Executive Board of
the Boy Scouts of the Philippines;
4. When taking part in parades, except for the
purpose of rendering service as a Scout/er or
when representing officially the Boy Scouts of
the Philippines and;
5. When one ceases to be a Scout/er through
failure to register; or leaves the Scout
Movement for any other reason.
The INSIGNIA
We said that the Scout uniform is a symbol of democracy and
that it places every young people/adult at the same level with the
others. Even among Scouts and leaders, however, a certain
degree of respect and regard for each other should be properly
observed. Hence, the use of badges and insignia.
Through the use of badges and insignia:
1. We are able to distinguish the position of
Scouts form one another. During a Scout
meeting, a scouter in uniform enters the room.
You recognize him to be a Scouter because he
is wearing the Scout Uniform. But how can
you tell his rank or office? Through the badges
and insignia he wears, of course.
2. We are able to give recognition to Scouts who
qualify for the various advancement ranks.
Badges and insignia, like th Uniform itself, are
not absolutely necessary. But they are
desirable because they give you a form of
recognition for the efforts you have exerted
and/or extended.
3. We can identify the institutional
group/representation of the Scout, e.g. school,
district, council, region, etc.
4. We can identify the National Scout
Organization affiliation of the Scout; Scout
Asso. of Japan, Scouts Australia, Boy Scouts
of America, etc.
5. We can identify the name of the Scout.
6. We are identified with the World Organization
of the Scout Movement World Brotherhood.
7. We can identify/promote Scouting activities
we attend through the temporary (activity)
patches.
8. We promote nationalism and love of our
country through our flag in the uniform.
The NECKERCHIEF and SLIDE
Scouts of the National Scout Organizations wear uniforms made
of different materials and designs. But there is one feature of the
scout uniform that is universal in use. This item is the
neckerchief. It is the distinguishing feature of Scout Uniforms all
over the world.
You may encounter boys and/or adult wearing light
brown shirts and off-shade of brown pants, but you
cannot really set them apart as Scouts unless they wear
a neckerchief. Any boy or adult who wears a
neckerchief is presumed to be a Scout.
Uses
The neckerchief is a handy item in ones equipment. In
fact it serves many practical purposes. It ca be used as
a tourniquet and a bandage. In the absence of a hat, it
sometimes serves to protect the head form the heat of
the sun. During cold evenings, Scouts sit around the
campfire with neckerchief slides pulled close to the
neck. During emergencies in the forest, and when you
are in need of signal flags, neckerchiefs admirably
come to the rescue. In the absence of ropes,
neckerchiefs may also be joined together to be used as
one.
The official neckerchief slide is is the form of a
wooden Carabao head.
The carabao is an animal of burden which is so
valuable, an asset to the Filipino farmer in plowing
and harrowing the rice fields and in transporting farm
produce to market. It characteristics are representative
of the qualities and values which is highly appreciated
by Filipinos.
Thus, it is regarded as the national animal of the
Philippines. This characteristic also typifies what B.P.
calls good character in a person, one who uses his
full potential to render selfless service to all.
To a Filipino, the carabao is a symbol of humility,
patience, industry, strength, and persistence,
characteristics which are held highly by every
Filipino. Its ability to adapt to varying circumstances
and which enables it to accomplish its task is
reminiscent of the courage of the Filipino to face and
triumph over insurmountable odds for the greater good
of all. Being a gentle lovable animal, the carabao
exemplifies the Filipinos kindness, friendliness and
hospitality.
The slide is made of soft wood taken from the branch
of a santol tree (Sandoricum Koetjape). It could also
be taken from farm wood trees. . The fruit of which is
golden in appearance when ripe, and its pulp is
nutritiously delicious. The roots of this tree grow deep
into the earth that makes it stand firm against the wind
and it has crown that provides shade and coolness for
the tired traveller and worker. These qualities make
the tree stand for gentleness of character of a Filipino
in his relationship and for the firmness by which he
stands in order to uphold what is right, just,and true.
In response to environmental preservation efforts, BSP
uses recycled, plastic bold cast (PBC) materials in its
carabao slide.
How to Wear the Neckerchief
First, roll the long edge upon over itself evenly in
several flat folds leaving about 6 inches form the apex
of the neckerchief. The place it high around the neck
and draw the neckerchief slide up over the ends and
adjust to fit snugly. The slide is one first distance from
the chin. Fix the two ends of your neckerchief below
th slide in even rolls.
Etymology of words
Uniform
A distinctive set of clothes worn to identify
somebodys occupation, affiliation,or status
A single outfit of identifying clothes
A particular style or other feature that
identifies somebody as a member of a certain
group.
Insignia
A badge of authority or membership of a group
An identifying mark or sign
A distinguishing mark of authority, office, or
house, e.g. badge, emblem (insignia or loyalty)
Badge
A small distinctively shaped or marked piece
of fabric, metal, or plastic worn on clothing as
a sign of rank, membership, or achievement.
A characteristic or identifying mark of a
particular quality or of a particular person.
Patch
A cloth badge sewn onto clothing as
identification, a sign of rank, or to
commemorate something.
An ornament, badge or tab of cloth sewed on a
garment
Strip
A long narrow piece of embroidered material
sewn into the uniform, e.g. shoulder strips,
woodbadge strip.
Ribbon
A small piece of embroidered cloth strip
representing an award. It is placed above the
name cloth.
BSP Pin
A piece of solid material (as wood or metal)
used especially to mark distinction of
membership in the Boy Scouts of the
Philippines.

HISTORY
In 1917, there were troops organized by American
Army and Navy families in various parts of the
Philippines. These were registered directly with the
Girl Scouts of America. The organization of these
troops led to more lone troops such as the Rose Troop
in Davao in 1918, in Capiz in 1926, and the Mt.
Province in 1928. Several of these troops were
organized by missionaries.
The Movement was formally founded by Josefa
Llanes Escoda, wartime heroine, through the initiative
of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines who sent her to
the United States of America in 1939 to take up Girl
Scouting courses. She also observed Guiding in
Europe and visited the World Bureau in England.
1940's
On May 26, 1940, the GSP was chartered under
Commonwealth Act No. 542 during the administration
of President Manuel L. Quezon.
The GSP was not even two years old when World War
II broke out. It had to stop its formal operations, but
vowed to continue its service to a nation in travail.
Helena Z Benitez, Chairman of the first GSP Central
Committee, recalled the war years: As Chairman of
the emergency Volunteers Social Aid Committee
(VSAC), together with some GSP Central Committee
members, the Chaplains/Aides and Junior League
Presidents, we worked closely with Tony and Josefa in
the grim and critical mission of bringing succor and
relief to Death March prisoners in San Fernando and
Capas. This brief episode in the life of the GSP
Founder must not be overlooked nor left untold. The
wartime services rendered by women leaders and
volunteers under Mrs. Escoda included the following:
conveying the messages of families to the war
prisoners; compilation of names and addresses of
Filipino prisoners-of-war who were confined at Camp
ODonnel in Capas, Tarlac; collection of foodstuffs,
medicines, used clothing, old leather shoes and even
coconut shells for plates; housing and feeding the
stranded students in Manila, and later, when the
situation got worse in the city, Josefa and her
formidable teams of volunteers came up with
community kitchens in different districts, serving rice
and mongo and other cooked foods to the poor, hungry
and jobless residents of Manila.
Eventually, the heroic underground work of Mrs.
Escoda angered the Japanese Kempetai Military
Police. She was arrested together with her husband
and both of them were thrown into the dreaded
dungeons of Fort Santiago, the infamous prison during
the Japanese occupation.
In 1946 the GSP was admitted as a tenderfoot member
of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl
Scouts (WAGGGS). It was given the status of full
membership in 1948.
1950-1968
The GSP has the distinction and privilege of hosting
various international gatherings among which were the
Regional Centenary World Camp in 1957, the Asian
Trainers Conference in 1961, the International
Heritage Camp in 1966, the WAGGGSsponsored
Public Relations Finance Seminar in 1971 which
was participated in by 13 nations, and the 31st World
Conference of WAGGGS in 2002. In turn, the GSP
has also been represented at all World Conferences of
the World Association, various world training
conferences, international camps and girl-level
gatherings, among others.
In 1965, to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the
Movement in the country, special events and service
projects were calendared year round. The World Chief
Guide, Lady Olave Baden Powell, took the salute of
more than five thousand Girl Scouts at the
Pasasalamat held at the Luneta Park, a fitting close
to the year-long celebration. The GSP was presented
the Walter Donald Ross Trophy Award in 1965 for the
outstanding service project rendered to the children of
evacuees who were victims of the eruption of Taal
Volcano.
After several years of study, evaluation and research,
the program of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines was
revised in 1968. The revision was approved at the 11th
National Convention. Full implementation of the
revised program ensued. It was called the Nine
Program Emphases (9E).
1970's
On June 2, 1975, Presidential Decree 720 was signed,
authorizing the restructuring of the GSP. On March
17, 1976, the new GSP Constitution and By-Laws
were ratified and confirmed.
1990's
In 1990, GSP celebrated its 50th year. Girl Scouts all
over the country centered their activities, services, and
projects on the Golden Opportunities along six
concerns, namely: Environment, Economic Self-
Sufficiency, Family Life, Our Heritage, Preparedness
and International Understanding.
In the same year, Mrs. Teresita Bermudez Choa was
elected member of the WAGGGS World Committee
a first for a Filipino. Another first in July 1993
was the appointment of Dr. Amelita Dayrit-Go as
Chairman of the Asia Pacific Committee of the
WAGGGS.
In 1990, a Task Force, composed of experienced Girl
Scouts, trainers, leaders, professional staff and
consultants started to work on a new program called
the 8-POINT CHALLENGE (8-PC) which will help
the Filipino girls and young women cope with the fast
changes that surround her in this age of technology.
While the basic cherished values contained in her
Promise and Law make the foundation of this 8-Point
Challenge, activities in the new program will equip
her with the knowledge and skills she needs to make
her truly the person that makes the difference in her
home, country and the world community.
In 1991, the 16th National Council Convention
approved the concept of the revised program. After the
approval of the concept, Task Forces fleshed out the
concept and their output was pilot-tested in 1992. The
new program was launched for full implementation on
September 1993 at the Concepcion R. Gonzalez
National Program and Training Center in Novaliches,
Quezon City.
In 1996 during the 29th World Conference of the
WAGGGS in Nova Scotia, Canada, Mrs. Choa was
elected as Vice-Chair of the World Board (formerly
World Committee) and Dr. Go was re-appointed Chair
of the Asia Pacific Committee of the WAGGGS.
Dr. Go was elected to the World Board in 1999 and in
2002 was elected 2nd Vice-Chairman of the World
Board, during the 31st World Conference held in
Manila.
2000-present
In 2001, Dr. Cristina Lim Yuson was elected member
of the Asia Pacific Committee and was subsequently
elected Chairman in 2004.
At the Asia Pacific Committee meeting in Hongkong
in May 2004 two members of the GSP Central Board
received recognition. Dr. Kathryn Uy Roa, received
the Young Woman of the Region Award and Dr.
Estefania Aldaba Lim, the Woman of Outstanding
Achievement Award.
Through the years, the GSP continues to pursue
vigorously its character building and youth
development programs and is actively contributing to
the economic thrust of the country as part of the
Movements commitment to nation-building.
What is Girl Scouting?
Girl Scouting is a worldwide movement that
provides girls and young women, aged 4 to 21
years, a non-formal progressive educational
program based on spiritual values and the ideal
of service.
The Movement is open to persons of diverse
creeds and races and cuts across social barriers.
Membership is voluntary. The Movement is
non-political but any member as an active
citizen, may take a stand/action on political
and legislative matters. It is independent and
non-governmental but it participates in nation-
building through cooperation with the home,
school, church, government units and other
agencies.
While girls are the focus of the Movement,
adult volunteers also enjoy many stimulating
opportunities. These adults hold ultimate
responsibility for the Movement.
Self-training through enriching experiences in
Girl Scouting influences girls and young
women into becoming responsible, decisive,
useful, respected and acknowledged citizens in
a changing world.

The New GSP Logo
Mission

To help girls and young women realize the
ideals of womanhood and prepare themselves
for their responsibilities in the home, the nation
and the world community.
Vision

The Filipino girl and young woman who are
progressive, dynamic, proactive, patriotic and
God-loving.
The Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will do my duty
To God and my country.
To help other people at all times
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
The Girl Scout Law

A Girl Scouts honor is to be trusted.
A Girl Scout is loyal.
A Girl Scout is helpful.
A Girl Scout is a friend to all and a sister to
every other Girl Scout.
A Girl Scout is courteous.
A Girl Scout respects living things.
A Girl Scout is disciplined.
A Girl Scout is self-reliant.
A Girl Scout is thrifty.
A Girl Scout is clean in thought, word and
deed.