President Marcos led the inauguration of the 18th National Scout Jamboree in Iloilo on Monday, expressing optimism that the national scouting event could catalyze the country’s youth to actively contribute to society.
Addressing the assembled scouts during the opening rites in Passi town, Mr. Marcos emphasized the scouts should be positive agents of change.
“To all our beloved scouts: Remember that you are here also to have fun, and to have an adventure, but to learn also about positive agents of change of which you can be part of,” the President said.
He urged the scouts to maintain their physical and mental well-being, stand firm in embodying the scout law, and answer the call of duty to God and country. These qualities would shape them into exemplary scouts and, in turn, responsible citizens contributing to the vision of building a Bagong Pilipinas, he said.
It was the first event President Marcos physically attended after testing positive for COVID-19 last week and isolating himself for five days.
Mr. Marcos was also officially inducted as the Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) during the event.
Stressing the significance of the jamboree in the province, the President described it as the “mother of all activities” in every scout’s life.
Held every four years, the national scouting event not only underscores the ongoing importance of scouting but also celebrates the enduring legacy of the scouting movement in the Philippines, the BSP said.
President Marcos highlighted scouting’s vital role in fostering camaraderie and leadership among Filipino youth through its distinctive blend of education, adventure, and enjoyment.
With approximately 35,000 scouts and leaders participating nationwide, including special guests and representatives from other National Scout Organizations globally, this jamboree stands as the largest national gathering of its kind in the Philippines.
The National Scout Jamboree will run from Dec. 11 to 17.