More than 5,000 scouts participated in the 26th Batangas Provincial Scout Jamboree held in Balayan, Batangas.

The event, organized by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, spanned three days and will conclude on May 12, 2024.

Colorful tents filled the Balayan Government Center, serving as accommodations for the scouts throughout the three-day event.

Activities related to survival skills and adventure trails were included in the program.

Aside from instilling the value of always being prepared, the jamboree aims to mold scouts into responsible citizens.

The Balayan local government said they ensured the safety of the scouts despite the hot weather conditions.

According to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), American soldiers introduced scouting to the Philippines in the early 1900s. 

Boy Scouts were seen in Manila as early as 1912, according to records from the first Boy Scouts of America (BSA) National Council Meeting in 1911 and a book called the Boy Scout Story published in 1955.

According to Perlita Wales (2016), Senior Education Program Specialist of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Malaybalay City, scouting teaches kids to be responsible and active in their communities. 

Scouting builds leadership, character, and good citizenship. Students who are part of scouting tend to do better in school and become well-rounded individuals. 

“In scouting, a student also learns how to be a community service provider. A student who is active in scouting is also active in academic areas… they tend to be responsible not only as a scout (BSP/GSP) but as a student and a productive citizen of our country,” Wales said.