Stressing that scouting plays a vital role in fostering leadership among the youth, President Marcos told scouts to be agents of change and contribute to nation building.
Marcos stated this when he led the opening of the 18th National Scout Jamboree at the Pintados de Passi Camp in Passi City, Iloilo on Monday, Dec. 11, where he also took oath as Chief Scout of the Boy Scout of the Philippines.
"Scouting plays a vital role in fostering the spirit of camaraderie and leadership among youth. With its unique blend of education, adventure, fun, scouting continues to inspire our young people to become active and productive members of society," the President said in his speech.
He added that each scout "is called upon to help shape our future and create a better and more sustainable world."
He urged them to maintain a strong and healthy body as well as a keen mind in order to contribute to the administration's goal of building a "new Philippines."
"To our beloved scouts, remember that you are here also to have fun and to have an adventure but to learn also about the more positive agent of change of which you can be proud of. Make your body strong and healthy, keep your mind keen and ever-conscious, stand your ground, embody the scout law and heed the call of duty to God and the country," he said.
"These qualities will make you a good scout. A good scout makes a good citizen and a good contributor to our goal of building a bagong Pilipinas," he added.
The Chief Scout also reminded them that the national jamboree is "the mother of all activities in our scout life," adding that "it reminds us of not only the continued importance of scouting but also of the enduring legacy of the scouting movement in our country."
The national event, which will run until Dec.17, happens only every four years.
This year, the event brings in a crowd of around 34,000 composed of local and international scouts and scoutmasters, national and local officials, and other invited guests.
With the theme, ‘Youth Engagement: Sustaining Relevance and Strengthening Resilience’, the 18th National Scout Jamboree aims to provide a progressive, exciting, challenging, safe and enjoyable learning environment for the scouts.