I extend
my warmest greetings to the participants of this historic Philippine Centennial
Scout Jamboree. With the theme: " Scouts: Heroes for tomorrow," this jamboree
shall give our scouts the opportunity to learn more about the heroism and
selfless sacrifice of our forefathers their as aspirations and their dreams
for our country. This will also enable our Scouts to foster closer fellowship
and camaraderie as well as develop their leadership abilities.
Scouting has always emphasize to its young members the ideals of heroism, selflessness and nationalism, the very same ideals that inspire our heroes of centuries ago to give their own lives for out dear Fatherland. Fortunately, the times do not require as to give up our lives, but we are being called upon to prepare our own youth to become more responsible citizens and outstanding future leaders.
It is my ardent hope that the Centennial Scout Jamboree or the 11th National Jamboree will succeed in rekindling among the minds of the participants the great Filipino as the country celebrates the Centennial of our independence and as we welcome the newt millennium.
I congratulate all of you, my fellow Scouts and Scouters
and wish you and your families a prosperous and peaceful New Year.
Mabuhay ang Boy Scouts of the Philippines! Mabuhay
ang Pilipinas.
In behalf
of the World Scout Committee, the governing body of the World Organization
of the Scout Movement, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations
to the organizers and officials of the Philippine Centennial Scout Jamboree.
I am sure that the 146 Scouts associations representing the 30 million
boys and girls in Scouting all over the world join me in wishing the Philippine
Centennial Scout Jamboree success in launching the nationwide celebration
of the 100th year of Philippine independence.
It is very appropriate that the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports should take the lead in rekindling the great Filipino spirit. In the 90-year history of the World Scouting Movement, Scouting has always placed importance in the duty of the youth to its country as articulated in the Scout's Oath. The love of country, therefore, is a primordial virtue among the Scouts.
Together with the love of one's country is the respect for its history. It is the history of a country where the heroes become the objects of emulation by a scout. Lord Baden-Powell himself was a National hero and was looked up to by the youth of his country. The Boy Scouts of the Philippines is a treasure chest of heroes starting with the seven founders of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. But the heroes of the Philippine scouting are not limited to the elders for there are those youthful scouts who gave their lives to save others.
As a chairman of the world scouting committee, I would also like to welcome to the scouts and scouters from member countries in the Asia Pacific Region who are participating in the Centennial Scout Jamboree. I would like to encourage our Filipino scouts to acquaint our overseas brothers with the rich history of the Philippines, in particular, its struggle for independence. This is a source of pride not only for Filipino scouts and scouters but also for the entire scouting movement all over the world.
Independence
is always a significant event for any nation, more so if it is brought
about by centuries of struggles that cost so many profound lives. Struggle
to keep it unblemished is even more difficult. Truly therefore ,this year
is more awaited than any other year as we finally mark one hundred
years of freedom from foreign oppression and dominance. Indeed, this
year is a great witness of our hard toils to reach far of our nationhood.
I am convinced, how ever, that our centennial celebration is only the
beginning of a different struggle in the social, political, economic and
moral arena. For although we claim development in certain areas, many of
our countrymen ore still in bondage with both bands and feet tied and living
under oppressive conditions. This is our new war front. This is where we
are now called upon to actively and collectively respond, not any more
with gunsand powder but with proper values and sincere prayer, just like
true scouts.
It is in this light that I wish scout and scouters alike will
see this Philippine Centennial Scout Jamboree. This Jamboree is thr realization
of our Chief Scout ,Pres.Fidel V. Ramos' desire to see scouts and scouters
precede the centennial celebration of our independence and,together
ith our yputh leaders,lead in emancipating our nation from poverty,just
as countless young men and women before us led this country through centuries
of struggle for nationhood
I challenge you now my dear scouts and scouters,to live up to the expectation
of our heroes for our tomorrow for everyone to look up to and emulate.Let
the fire of democracy and patriotism burn brightly in your hearts s you
lead this nation to solidarity and greatness towards the new millenium.
Mabuhay ang KabataangFlipino! Mabuhay ang Philippine Centennial Scout
Jamboree !Mabuhay tayong lahat!
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