06/08/2026
LAGING HANDA ๐งญ
โWe cannot control every challenge that young people may face, but we can prepare them,โ Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
The Department of Education is calling for stronger preparedness, safety, and life-saving training for Filipino learners through scouting.
Angara raised the call during the launch of the World of Scouting: Heritage and Adventure Camp in Makati City, emphasizing that schools should equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills for emergencies and real-life situations.
Among the areas being considered is stronger swimming and water-survival training for members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. The proposal is expected to be discussed during the organizationโs national meeting, although specific changes have not yet been announced.
Angara said knowledge of safety and survival could mean the difference between danger and hopeโand, in some situations, between life and death.
The renewed focus follows recent incidents that placed greater attention on water safety and preparedness during outdoor and recreational activities.
DepEd also continues to strengthen programs involving disaster preparedness, emergency response, child protection, and mental health.
Scouting is seen as an important partner because its activities develop discipline, leadership, service, teamwork, and readiness among young people.
The department also recognized teachers who prioritized their studentsโ safety during the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that affected parts of Mindanao last June, showing how preparedness becomes crucial when emergencies happen without warning.
Through stronger scouting programs, students may learn skills that extend beyond school requirementsโfrom responding calmly during disasters to protecting themselves and helping others in critical situations.
