Sunday, March 26, 2017

Ulat ng Tagapangulo

2017 BSP National Court of Honor for Eagle Scouts
Casa del Nino Montessori
San Pedro, Laguna

Ang ulat ng Tagapangulo ng Advancement Committee:


Ang una pong pagsasa-lang-alang ay ang kanilang Kabihasnan sa mga gawaing taglay ng isang Eagle scout: Skillfull, madiskarte at mahusay sa maraming bagay.  Ito’y natutunan nila mula sa 21 Proficiency Badges na kailangan nilang makasanayan.  Itinuro ng mga taong dalubhasa sa kanya-kanyang larangan. Ang mga dalubhasang ito ay aming pinili upang makatiyak na ang mga kaalaman ay matututunan ng mga batang Iskawts at magiging kapaki-pakinabang sa kanila.

Ang isa pang mahalagang isina-alang-alang ay ang kanilang Pamumuno o Leadership. Naipakita ba ang katangiang ito sa kapwa nila mga skawts sa paaralan at sa komunidad na kanilang kinabibilangan?  At ayon nga po sa aking pagsusuri, ang mga batang skawts na ito ay nakapagsasagawa ng mga gawaing kapakipakinabang at mabubuti , katangiang dadalahin na nila sa kanilang pagtanda. Naniniwala ako na maaari na silang maging Eagle Skawts at isakatuparan ang tunay na layon at magandang katangian ng isang Eagle Skawt.

Ang panghuli at singhalaga ng dalawang naunang katangian ay ang kanilang Pag-uugali.  Naniniwala ako na mamumuhay  at isasapuso nila ang Panunumpa at Batas ng Skawt.  Ako po ang saksi at makapagpapatunay  na angkin na nga nila ang mga katangian ng isang Eagle Skawt at magpapatuloy isabuhay ang mabubuting katangiang iyon na napasa kanila na.

Dalangin ko ang kanilang tagumpay.



"The first consideration on examining these candidates was Proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed for the Eagle Scout Rank.  Each applicant has presented a record of the Proficiency Badges earned and these have been c carefully checked. Each participant has been certified by duly appointed Badge Counselors and the Board of Review has found them fully qualified for the 21 Badges required for the Eagle scout Rank.

Another important consideration for the Eagle Scout Rank is Leadership.  The Board of Reviews has carefully reviewed the record of each applicant as to leadership to his troop in his school affairs and in the community.  We found that these applicants have demonstrated their leadership in activities that are constructive and worthwhile.  We believe that they are qualified to receive the Eagle Scout Rank.

Last, but certainly not eh least, is their Character.  It was our finding that these applicants are satisfactorily putting into practice the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. We believe they are qualified as Eagle Scouts and that they are qualified as Eagle Scouts and that they will continue to live those principles."



Sunday, March 19, 2017

My take: "Poll Vault"

How to win an election our local setting?
Identifying your electorate, knowing their wants (not necessarily their needs)
Make yourself visible or noticeable in any occasion being attended by the electorate
Have a good noticeable corporeal appeal  
Be a kinsfolk of most of the electorate
Image branding – project an image very much enjoyable and entertaining to them
Presenting a full battery of accomplishments, either tangible or hoax
Making an irresistible offer


Why should I not win an election?
I don’t wish to project an image that I am not.
I seriously don not know my electorate and did not plan on pleasing my electorate prior to an election for the sake of getting votes
I know how to sing or dance or I can do anything that might be entertaining but I opt not to do it because I believe it will not prove any point relevant
I do not ask support from anybody to help me project a good image
Never can I make an impolite proposal

Why should I think I can win an election?
Because I refuse to believe that decency and all virtuous deeds were already lost to this day
Because I still believe in truthfulness in an election exercise
Because there are people that still believe in righteousness and they will decide on right candidate then wish that there still hope for better future

What makes me unique from the rest of the candidates?

I am a Scout for life.

When I was still a young boy, I was encouraged to join the Scouting movement because of the enormous excitement to experience the great outdoors.  A unique delight that you get to relish outside of your regular life, away from all of your comfort zones. 


Today, 51 years after, having done most of the things I dreamt of when I was young, still I am connected with the great outdoors. I am an Outdoorsman by my career. I design, plan and organize hiking, camping, climbing, trekking/mountaineering and backpacking activities for pleasure or adventure tourism purposes. I am a part of a group that facilitates team building programs for schools and offices. And we are conducting those activities for non-scouting members. Little do these people know that I designed those activities very much comparable to “the scouting way”. 

I deal with scouts and scouters through”the scouting way”  inside the Scouting Organization. Similarly, I deal with non-scouts  the “scouting way” outside the Scouting organization. So I am a scout for life and I am being a Scout inside and out, front and back….side-to side.

I will not brag about my accomplishments for the years I have been in the Scouting Organization.
Having been here in the executive board since 2002 I made a self-imposition that I will do my best to serve and sacrifice my time and effort in every opportunity given to me along the way. It’s has been 14 years since then. Sa mga taong konti lang ang ginagawa….tila nakababagot ang panahon, Ngunit sa mga taong bukas sa anumang hamon ng kahit anong Gawain, maliit man o malaki….parang kulang at kulang ang oras para mapunuan ng mga dapat mong isakatuparan.

For my so called accomplishments….wala po akong maikukwento sa inyo dahil nalimutan ko na po ang mga iyon. I never collated certificates of commendation, participation or good performance. Sa akin po kasi….immaterial na ang mga iyon. Mababaw lang po ang kaligayahan ko. Nakuha ko na po ang fulfillment ko noong mga oras na nagsisilbi ako sa mga bata, sa mga scoutleaders at magiging scout leaders pa ng aking mother council o sa buong Scouting organization, lokal man o internasyunal. Tapos na po iyon doon pa lang.


No, hindi ko din naman po ninais o pinipilit na maging kakaiba…totoo lang po ako sa aking nararamdaman at iyon po ang nais kong i-sa-wika at isagawa.


Idinadalangin ko po ang inyong pangunawa…..

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Troop & the Community

Opener:
Topic Title
Video about an Auction
Let’s have an auction!
Presentation of the product (video)
Peso conversion
100,000                 -              Underwear
50,000                   -              shorts
10,000                   -              trousers/skirt –shirt/blouse
 5,000                    -              pair of socks
 1,000                    -              shoes/sandals/slippers(pair)
Opening price; bidding start
Declare a winner bidder

What is the significance of the game to our topic?
The idea of giving/sharing
Selflessness or Sacrifices to achieve a common goal
The Spirit of teamwork

How does it relate to our troops in Scouting and their involvement in community building?
Social involvement as a tool in personal development

Participating in community development activities in effect help them in their personal growth and consequently share important part in nation building.  

The concept of social involvement can be found in each fundamental element of Scouting.

 Duty to others.
Participation in the development of society with recognition and respect for the dignity of one’s fellow man and for the integrity of the natural world.

The Scout Oath & Law
The Scout Oath & Law expresses what we are and what we are committed to doing

The Mission & Vision Statement of Scouting
S c o u t i n g ’s Mission & Vision expresses what we should do

Being responsible citizen necessitates active participation in the development of the society where they belong. First in the home, the institution, then in the neighborhood, the community, the Philippine society and from there to the international community.

Personal Growth and the development of Society

Scouting strives to make young people responsible for their own development. It tries to encourage them to learn for themselves instead of passively receiving standardized instruction.

Mission statement of the Scouting movement:
“contributing to the development of the individual boy anchored on the principle of selfless service to self, to others to country and to God as a first step towards a better society”.

Scouting, contributes to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law, to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.

Involving our young people throughout their formative years in a non-formal education process. 

Using a specific method that makes each individual the principal agent in his or her development as a self-reliant, supportive, responsible and committed person -“Learning by doing”

Scouting today must ensure that:
What it offers young people reflects their needs and aspirations in the society in which they live, and attracts and retains their interest over a sufficient period of time, especially adolescence, to advance their personal development.
There has to be a degree of enthusiasm to draw interest and encourage dynamic involvement on activities.  Relative understanding entices them to take part actively.  Always be happy.
Let’s try to think of a community project that you think is very relevant in the present times.
Community Involvement Project Samples
1.     Drug abuse prevention
2.     Anti-Pornography campaign
3.     Literacy Campaign
4.     Clean and Green Program
5.     Waste Segregation & Recycling
6.     Handicapped integration
7.     Reforestation
8.     Prevention of Soil Erosion
9.     Fire Safety

Encourage awareness
Expression of feelings / Declaration of position
Stimulate others to make a resounding stand against the problem
Implement actions and continuing/sustainable solutions to combat the proble


"Balitaw ng Eagle Skawts"


Sulong mga iskawts at kayo ay magmartsa;
Masiglang mga hakbang, Karanasan na masasaya
Mga batang tapat sa pananalita
Hangaring maging Eagle….makakamit kaya?

Hinubog ng Pangako at batas Iskawt
Gaganap sa tungkulin, laging “up and about”
May tapang at lakas, may Diyos na gabay
Makakapamuhay marangal, maglilingkod, magbibigay
.
Gawad na nakahayag sa inyong mga dibdib
Hindi lamang parangal ang ibig sabihin
Patunay ng kasanayan at asal na magaling
Kabataang hinubog, yaman ng bansa natin

Sa aming tahanan, pamilya ay naghihintay
Aral na natutunan ay isasabuhay
Ito ay hamon sa kinabukasan
Na dapat tupdin at laging talikdan

Ipataw po ninyo ang karangalan sa amin
Ang mabubuting aral ay aming tutuparin
Pangako at Batas, tatalima ng tapat

Mamumuhay ng matuwid at tunay na Eagle Iskawt.


Monday, February 13, 2017

BSP Program Task Group - SURVIVAL CAMP

Assigned to devise a Survival Camp Activities to be included in the BSP Handbook on National Program for Advancement to be launched 2018. This is my take.......



RATIONALE

The Survival Camp is one of the most significant skill activities among the pre-requisites that a candidate for Venturer Scout Rank has to go through. Generally, it rechecks and enhances the candidates’ proficiency and readiness to respond in times of emergency, disasters and inculcates the LEAVE NO TRACE OUTDOOR PRINCIPLES to wilderness camping.

In the Outdoorsman Scout Rank, staying in an improvised shelter, making camp gadgets and improvised utensils in cooking their own food are some of the focused camping activities while in the Venturer Scout Rank require higher knowledge and skills, discipline, self-confidence and stamina because of its more challenging physical and mental activities like Orienteering/Navigation, Pioneering and Emergency Preparedness.  

It is in the Survival camp that encompasses the necessary aptitude a scout should have, believing in himself to overcome various challenges, self-reliant and always “prepared”.

RULES IN CONDUCTING SURVIVAL CAMPING
1.      It should be a 3-day/2-night activity for Venturer Scout Rank.
2.     The participating scouts must be a registered member and holder of Outdoorsman Scout Rank.
3.      The scouts must be physically fit.
            4.      Ideal ratio is 3 trained adult leader to 8 Scouts (minimum); 3:15 (maximum).   
            5.      One accompanying trained adult leader be at least a graduate of the Advanced Training 
                  Course, other one is trained in medical and one for communication.

5.1.1. Suggested General Program of Activities
Wilderness Survival Camp

Urban Survival Camp

5.1.2. General Guidelines for Selection of Sites

Wilderness Survival Camp

1.      Camp on durable surfaceAn ideal campsite is an area conducive to move around and conduct activities but will have minimum impact on the environment. The most applicable way to choose a campsite is to look for a site that already exists with established trails and some trees enough to provide protection from the sun or bad weather. It should be in the wilderness, where dwellers don not exist.

2.      Campsite may or may not have natural supply of water. Keeping away from riparian areas best protect either scouts or the environment from any impact. 

3.      Avoid valleys and low lying areas where water may flow and get flooded due to rains.

4.      Choose an area where natural dangers are not present such as animal or insect nests, trees with dead branches or mature fruits  that might fall off, falling rocks or landslide areas, or area with dense vegetation where you cannot see present weather situation.

5.      Campsites can be selected by an Outfit Advisor making sure that all mentioned considerations are met. Together with an authorized Local Council representative, It has to be carefully assessed and familiarity of the environ has to be established. Prior to the local Council’s approval, necessary Safety & Risk Management Plan should also be devised and to be discussed in a pre-Survival Camping Orientation with the assigned leaders.

Urban Survival Camp
1.      An ideal campsite for Urban Survival Camp can be public parks, markets, school grounds, public parking areas and

2.      Campsite may or may not have supply of water. Keeping away from riparian areas best protect either scouts or the environment from any impact. 

3.      Avoid valleys and low lying areas where water may flow and get flooded due to rains.

4.      Choose an area where natural dangers are not present such as animal or insect nests, waterways or river banks; places with informal settlers and have high crime incident rates; places with presence of toxic materials such as doomed chemical factories or any other risks that could be inflicted by Old/condemned buildings, construction sites,  Nightclubs and bars, places with busy traffic conditions.

5.      As much as possible, choose an area that is close to Police Headquarters, Barangay Outposts or Medical Facilities

6.      Campsites can be selected by an Outfit Advisor making sure that all mentioned considerations are met. Together with an authorized Local Council representative, It has to be carefully assessed and familiarity of the environ has to be established. Prior to the local Council’s approval, necessary Safety & Risk Management Plan should also be devised and to be discussed in a pre-Survival Camping Orientation with the assigned leaders.

5.1.3. Safety and Risk Management Plan

Familiarity and articulacy with the environ of selected campsite is significant to have an effective and efficient Safety and Risk Management Plan. 

Possible Risks should be identified to formulate a plan. Gathering Information from past experiences is vital to devise an effective strategy.
Eg: Earthquake
 How to protect yourself from falling objects.
Dock, cover and hold.
After the shake, secure everyone and execute the evacuation plan
Evacuation Plan
     
Storm/Thunderstorm
Be acquainted with weather forecast prior to camping activities
Day-to-day weather update and monitoring,
Open and efficient communication among leaders in any eventuality
Execution of Evacuation Plan if necessary

Flood:
Be acquainted with weather forecast prior to camping activities
Keep away from areas that are prone to flooding or flash flooding
Identify elevated expanses that can be an evacuation area in case of emergencies

Emergencies caused by wildlife: Stings, bites

Selection of an ideal campsite is really indispensable in order to avoid as much risks as possible to possess a safe environment for all scouts. 

Aside from verbal disclosures during meetings Visual Illustration of Safety and Risk Management Plan will provide realistic information and guidance in preparation or even during actual events.

Incident Command System among assigned staff/leaders should be formed, understood and agreed upon prior to the conduct of a Survival Camp. 


5.1.4. Camping Permits and Other Related Forms, Clearances, etc.

·         Survival Camping Permit Application – Camping Permit
·         Campsite Inspection Clearance and Approval by the Local Council
·         Permit from the Property owner
·         Community Clearance (Barangay, municipality, city)
·         Police Clearance and request for Assistance
·         Scouts’ Medical Certificate
·         Parent’s Consent

“Survival Camping involves risk. I will not enter and participate unless I am medically able and properly trained.  I assume all risks associated from the activities which I will perform during camp. 

Knowing these facts and in consideration of my participation, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the BSP _________ Council and its representatives from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation”


5.1.5. Equipment and Materials

These are the Materials suggested by the Program Task Group during Presentation/Deliberation:

(wilderness)
Bolo or scout knife
Garbage bag (to be used for water proofing)
Sanitary napkin (to be used in large cuts / wounds)
1 small mirror
Whistle
Flashlight
Thermal blanket (alum. Foil)
               
(urban)
whistle
flashlight             
garbage bag


I suggest however that we just devise a Basic Survival Kit Standard for our Scouts to consist of the following:
Emergency Thermal Blanket/Nylon Tarp
Water bottle
Fire Starter
Stainless Steel Pocket knife
Whistle
Flashlight
Garbage bag
Basic First Aid: Bandages, medicines
5.1.6. Terms of Reference for the Staff

§  Objectives
1.      To get scout leaders prepare a premeditated Survival Camping Activity required for our scouts.
2.      To give scouts freedom of time and entitlement on how to endure the challenges bounded in the Survival Camp.
3.      Assigned Leaders are only to monitor the conduct of scouts’ activities but no mediation or intervention has to be made during the course of scouts’ actions.  
4.      Leaders should be equipped with First Aid necessities and Incident Command System is in place in case of any eventuality.
5.      To make sure that the Principles “Leave No Trace” is being considered.
6.      Always remember the rule of Threes
In a Survival situation, always remember the Rule of Threes.
A human can survive for:
·         3 minutes without air
·         3 hours without a regulated body temperature (shelter)
·         3 days without water
·         3 weeks without food
7.      Of the 5 Trained Leaders every 24 scouts, one should be assigned on First Aid and scout’s other medical needs and one should handle coordination and communication with necessary authorities like barangay, police, hospital, property owner, park, market, school admin.
8.      Transportation must also be handy in case of any eventuality.

§  Activities to be implemented during Wilderness Survival Camp
§  Improvised shelter making
§  Purifying water for drinking
§  Fire Building
§  Food Hunting
§  Survival Cooking
§  Identification of edible and poisonous plants (Ethno Botany)
§  Campcraft (Improvised camp gadgets and cooking utensils)
§  Orienteering/Navigation
§  To ensure LEAST POSSIBLE to NO IMPACT effect on the environment (LNT principles)

§  Activities to be implemented during Urban Survival Camp
§  Improvised Shelter
§  Finding water for drinking
§  Protect self from illnesses through hygiene
§  “Work for Food”
§  Offering Services & Public Performances
§  Materials Recovery
§  Improvises gadgets & Utensils making
§  Obeying traffic rules & Signs
     Community Service





§ 
Expertise required
Scout Leaders who will facilitate Pre-Survival Camp Activities should have some expertise in Bushcraft in Wilderness Survival Camps, or Backpacking in Urban Survival Camps.
Camcraft – knot tying skills and proficiency in lashing should be the prime most requisite a trained Leader should have.

Ethno Botany – Familiarity with edible and/or medicinal against poisonous or plants

Practical Life Skills is eminent in both Wilderness and Urban Survival Activities

Practice of the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics and Principles

§  Reporting requirements
Obligatory nightly commentary and evaluation by its staff is and Local Council Representative is required to monitor the general progress of the activities being applied and to have a clear visualization of next day’s activities.

5.2. Standard Assessment Tool for the Survival Camp

Practicum or Actual performance of given task.  Knowledge & familiarity of skills as being performed real time by scouts as it was directed to be accomplished.
Theoretical and Academic valuation  as to competency or capability in generating visual academic output like data charts, collage, multi-media presentations or  written/narrative information such as Essays, blogs, creative writing about experiences and learning that will be used in the analysis and evaluation or review.

National Commissioner Jose Delgado and my appointment



with Sctr.Rex Ynion of Metro Manila South Council

Misc:



Program Presentation
12L BP International Hotel