But, what is Scouting ? Why does one comment, "Uy, Boy Scout, ah ..." when a man offers a seat to the elderly, opens the door for a woman, guides a blind man on the street ? Indeed, the greatest compliment a boy can get, then, and it is still true today, is to be called a Boy Scout after he has performed a good deed or he has exhibited an exemplary conduct.

        Many thinks that Scouting is characterized by fun and games, adventure and challenges, fellowship and doing things together with boys of similar age. But, what non-Scouters do not know is that, all the basic skills learned from Scouting are their Scout's tools in serving his community. It is not enough that a scout learns how to tie knots, build simple bridges and send traffic signals, but how these skills can be useful in certain situations in the future.

        Indeed, the Scouting Movement is aimed not only to inculcate positive values but also to hone the skills and train the boys for eventual leadership in the community.

        Many of our national officials and leaders to day started our in their youth as acitve Boy Scouts which, according to them, helped them become committed leaders as what they are today. President Ramos openly declares that he started as a Scout before he became a military man and eventually the President of the Philippines.

        Laguna Governor Jose " Joey" Lina proudly describes himself as a " Scout all my life." Bulacan Governor, the Honorable Roberto Pagdanganan, the current National President of the BSP and at the same time the President of the League of Provincial Governors of the Philippines, attributes his leadership skills and never-ending quest for excellence in his field of endeavor for his scout training.

        Truly, Governor Pagdanganan, even in his younger years, has always benn considered an achiever. He entered the adult and professional world and successfully competed in the open political marker for survival and recognition with high honors.

        Ask any former scout who has found his niche in the political area, in the business and industry, in the academy, or any other calling, both in the government services, the Scout law has not only been a guiding principle, but more than that, it is the blueprint for a balance combination of a successful and fruitful life enriched with spiritual fulfillment.

        Knowing therefore , that the benefits of scouting are intangible , and its effects are manifested after a long period of time , i being the father of scouting movement  in all Philippine schools , have always urged boys of all ages to join the Boy Scout Movement for the effective leadership training that it offers no other experience and training can perhaps replace the role of scouting movement in molding the character and the value of personality of our children and youth at a critical state of their life when they are most impressionable .

       I just hope that the scout leader-trainer will realize the responsibility in utilizing their scout skills as tools in their genuine service to the community they belong. Always remember that a Scout jamboree is not a competition but a venue for Scouts to show what they can do for their community and country.