The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said it seeks to modernize and promote a more inclusive scouting policy in basic education.

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said scouts must learn real-world skills through improved and more inclusive policy.

“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 said.

This came following the Stakeholders’ Convergence on the Harmonization of Scouting Programs in Basic Education held on Aug. 25.

Improving the scouting program is still part of the agency’s Quality Basic Education Development Plan and Five-Point Reform Agenda under the helm of Angara.

Stakeholders particularly revisited the guidelines and considered revisions to the measures on the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Programs under DepEd Order Nos. 76 and 86, series of 2012, respectively.

Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Senior Vice President Jose Mari Pelaez underscored the need to offer activities that will promote “well-rounded” learner development.

“Real-world challenges in implementing scouting programs in schools require updating current policies,” he said.

Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) President Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson highlighted the importance of continuous close collaboration between the DepEd and community partners as the initiative is not just a mere funding matter, but a “shared responsibility.”

“Close collaboration with DepEd and community partners enables stakeholders to ensure education extends beyond academics to nurture confident, resilient, compassionate, and active learners,” she said.

The DepEd also sees the guidelines update as a way to improve learning environments and protect learners’ physical and mental well-being through the development of character, leadership, and community service, which also curb school-based violence.

“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.

To date, the DepEd is modernizing these guidelines while advancing broader policy reforms.

These reforms aim to address challenges involving school safety risks and learning disruption. (PNA)