MANILA, Philippines — Scouting in Philippine schools could be headed for a major upgrade as the Department of Education (DepEd) moves to modernize its policies and place greater emphasis on leadership, resilience, safety, community service and practical skills that learners can use beyond the classroom.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is working to make scouting more inclusive and responsive to the challenges young Filipinos may encounter in real life.
“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,” Angara said, according to the Philippine News Agency.
The push follows a Stakeholders’ Convergence on the Harmonization of Scouting Programs in Basic Education held on Aug. 25, 2026, where DepEd and scouting stakeholders revisited existing rules governing the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP).
Old scouting rules being reconsidered
The discussions center on DepEd Order No. 76, s. 2012, covering the revitalization of Boy Scouting in schools nationwide, and DepEd Order No. 86, s. 2012, covering Girl Scouting.
Both policies have been in place for more than a decade.
Records from DepEd offices show that the 2012 guidelines have continued to serve as the basis for scouting activities, membership, institutional support and related programs in schools.
The latest initiative, however, recognizes that the environment in which today’s learners grow up has changed—and that scouting programs may need to change with it.
More than badges and camping
DepEd’s proposed direction puts the spotlight on what learners can actually carry into adulthood.
The department wants scouting to contribute to character formation, leadership development, resilience, teamwork, community service and preparedness, while creating safer and more supportive environments for learners.
Angara has described scouting as more than a traditional co-curricular activity, emphasizing practical tools such as discipline, teamwork and crisis management.
The approach also fits into DepEd’s broader Quality Basic Education Development Plan and Five-Point Reform Agenda, according to the agency’s latest statement.
Boy Scouts of the Philippines Senior Vice President Jose Mari Pelaez said the realities encountered in implementing scouting programs in schools make it necessary to update existing policies.
The objective is to develop more well-rounded learners through experiences that go beyond conventional classroom instruction.
Survival and water safety are gaining attention
The policy review comes after DepEd earlier this year highlighted the importance of life-saving and survival skills for young people.
In June, Angara said DepEd and the BSP would discuss strengthening swimming and water-survival training for scouts.
The issue received renewed attention following the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes in Aurora, as well as concerns surrounding preparedness following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
Angara stressed that while authorities cannot prevent every challenge young people may encounter, they can help prepare learners to respond when emergencies happen.
That direction suggests that future scouting activities could put greater weight on practical preparedness—including knowing how to respond during emergencies, helping others and making sound decisions under pressure.
Community service also remains central
The modernization effort is not limited to outdoor or survival activities.
Girl Scouts of the Philippines President Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson emphasized that stronger collaboration between DepEd and community partners is essential because scouting is a shared responsibility, not simply a matter of funding.
The goal, she said, is to extend education beyond academics and help nurture learners who are confident, resilient, compassionate and active in their communities.
Previous DepEd guidance has likewise emphasized community involvement, noting that service activities can help learners develop compassion and understanding.
A more inclusive scouting program
Another major theme of the proposed policy update is inclusivity.
DepEd says the modernization should ensure that learners have access to opportunities to develop leadership and civic skills in a safe and supportive environment.
This is significant because scouting has long been embedded in Philippine basic education through partnerships between schools and the BSP and GSP.
Regional DepEd offices have continued to reinforce the existing 2012 scouting policies while encouraging membership and participation. For example, a 2025 DepEd Region II memorandum called for renewed efforts to strengthen scouting’s role in the holistic development of learners.
No finalized replacement rules yet
Despite the momentum, the new scouting policy should not yet be treated as a finalized nationwide replacement of the 2012 rules.
What DepEd has announced so far is a policy-review and harmonization process involving stakeholders.
The latest DepEd-related memorandum from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City, for example, refers specifically to the proposed revision of DepEd Orders 76 and 86 and the harmonization of scouting programs in basic education.
Until new guidelines are formally issued, the existing rules remain the reference point for implementation.
Why this matters to Filipino learners
If the proposed reforms move forward, scouting could increasingly become a practical training ground where students learn skills that are difficult to develop through textbooks alone.
That could include leadership, teamwork, crisis response, survival awareness, community service, resilience and civic responsibility—skills that can become valuable during emergencies and later in work and adult life.
For DepEd, the bigger question is no longer simply how to keep scouting alive in schools.
It is how to make sure that when learners eventually leave school and face situations that cannot be solved by an exam or a textbook, they are prepared to act.
And that may be the biggest change coming to Philippine school scouting yet.
WWC ONE MEDIA M.J.E
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