Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday underscored the importance of Scouting in basic education in promoting life-saving and survival skills among Filipino youth.
Angara made the remark in the wake of a recent tragedy in Aurora involving two student-athletes of Ateneo de Manila University, as well as the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in parts of Mindanao.
In a speech, Angara said the upcoming national meeting between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) will discuss the strengthening of swimming and water survival skills among Scouts.
“Hindi natin kontrolado ang lahat ng pagsubok na maaaring kaharapin ng ating mga kabataan, ngunit maaari natin silang ihanda (We cannot control all challenges that our youth will face, but we can prepare them),” he said during the launch of the World of Scouting: Heritage and Adventure Camp.
“Ang kaalaman sa kaligtasan at survival ay maaaring maging pagkakaiba sa pagitan ng panganib at pag-asa, at minsan, sa pagitan ng buhay at kamatayan (Safety and survival skills may serve as the difference between danger and hope, at times, even between life and death).”
Angara said these crucial skills for learners may be acquired with the help of Scouting, an important partner of the DepEd.
More than worn badges or achieved ranks, he said, Scouting helps learners develop preparedness, compassion and readiness to lead during challenges or real-world uncertainties.
“When someone needed you, did you show up? Iyan ang tunay na diwa ng pagiging laging handa (That’s the true essence of always ready),” Angara said. (PNA)
