ONE MILLION PESO JOURNEY

One fine Scouitng day inside Laguna Council's Conference Hall, it was unanimously suggested by my LCEB fellows choosing me to chair the Grant-In Aid Program for a Project Proposal aiming to get financial benefit from the BSP Hierarchy in our Manila Headquarters.

From the Council's Stockroom in Los Banos to become Dormitory and Training Center, then later changed to Repair and Renovation of Council's Roofing, then shortly changed to BSP Laguna Campsite's modern Reception-Training Facility to finally end in the Repair and Improvement of BSP Campsite's Headquarters and Swimming Pool. I patiently collated information required for an irresistible Project Proposal to be forwarded to the HQ.

And apparently, after the necessary documentations has finally prepared and submitted to the BSP National Office for approval, While waiting for the release of the aforementioned grant came the Corona Virus COVID-19 Pandemic.  A global Crisis sparing nothing with no preference coercing people to be victims. Dreadful  and outrageous to overcome. The world suffers and Laguna Council was not spared. We are now crying for help.

This is the flight of BSP Laguna Council's One Million Peso Journey.

STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE MOMENT ...........

FORCLAZ TARP TREK 900 Product testing for Survival Hiking

The use of tarp in our survival hiking activities promotes ease in pack loading and weight bearing.  An ideal-sized tarp being much lighter in weight vis-a-vis single person backpacking tent and does not occupy much space inside your rucksack.

Decathlon’s Forclaz Tarp Trek 900 weighs only 600g net and 635g including its 6 cordages and 8 aluminum stakes in a 4-inch x 7.5-inch pouch.

My Initial Impression:

Water-repellency is ambivalent due to limited time of testing.  But given 5 years product warranty somehow assures users of its quality against normal use.

A bit pricey at first glance compared to other brands available in the Ph market though could have been reasonable with its asserting product warranty or if paired with good quality trekking poles to include as combo package.

Minimalist backpacking essential with ideal size and practical weight

Straps attached as ridgeline provided additional set-up reinforcement.  However, additional side loops are suggested to have more set-up versatility.

Overall, The Forclaz Tarp Trek 900 for me is above par survival hiking companion with just 635g in gross weight.  You get to carry your shelter without the burden of personally hauling a tent which is obviously way heavier and bulkier in size. Being a Scout Leader on our usual outdoor or wilderness survival activities, the Forclaz Tarp Trek 900 could be a fairly good bivouac buddy, compact in size and minimalist in load. 

Enthusiastic to share my two cents plus some thoughts and suggestions for improvement...I am sharing these set-up variations not presented yet in any of Forclaz or Decathlon's ads.

My additional set-up suggestions:

Set-up #1 “Bivouac”

no unnecessary creases if there are more side loops installed

Set-up #2 “Half D”

flooring can serve as additional wind protection had there been more side loops

Set-up #3 “TP”

Just a stake pinned on the loops . No need for cordage had there been  loops

no annoying creases if side loop is installed. 

Set-up #4 With  complementary creativity and diminutive innovation comes a "Hammock"

"I should have done this on a perfect time had there been Forclaz Tarp Trek 900 before: Rest, Recover....then Tramp again."

I hope I shared some insights for Forclaz to consider.  I am confident Forclaz will appreciate. 

More Power Forclaz!!!

Picture credit to AHONmates Ien & Bedwin

LCEB CODE OF CONDUCT

Introduction

Members of the Laguna Council executive board or simply LCEB which considers to be one of the arteries of BSP Laguna Council-------

What seems to be the reason of frequent shortlist in attendance at any board meeting being held?

Are the issues being laid upon for deliberation still convey interests or play significance in every member?

Are members in the past years, noticing the sluggish--------would like to propose the following Code of Conduct

I have laid out some indicative thoughts which will provide us sensitivities that  will surely help us provide necessary regularities in our performance of our duties as member of the LCEB.

ON PERSONAL GROWTH AS A SCOUTER

1.Member of the LCEB is expected to enrich his Scouting advocacy by involving himself to understand and adhere to the Scouting Ideals in the performance of his duties as executive boarc member.  He must submit himself to Basic and Advance Training Courses during his term.  Other courses are optional pursuit however.

ON BROTHERHOOD AND SERVICE TO THE INSTITUTION

2.  Exemplary dynamism towards EB Fellows are required and scout brotherhood relationship towards scout leaders are expected.  To get acquainted with the local training team and other leaders, He/She must serve at least one (1) 3D2N BTC in a year and intermingle with fellow scouters serving the course.

RESPONSIVE EFFORTS AS A LEADER

3.  During his/her term of office, he will have an opportunity to tackle a local council issue and present it to the board in a form of a Privilege Speech.  An issue can be about scouting committee functions which he is tasked to chair.  Or any other local issues that needs to be brought out for the purpose of improving general well being of the local council.

ON BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE

4. All members are obliged to attend regular executive board meetings which were scheduled on fixed dates as agreed by members in a form of a resolution made and approved by the board during its board meeting.

4.a.  Failure to attend a board meeting requires member penalty of ONE THOUSAND PESOS (P1,000) per absence.

4.b.  Allowable absences with penalty are limited only to a maximum of THREE (3) in a year.  Payment of penalties writes of a member absences.  Failure to comply however means automatic removal as member of the LCEB.  Vacated position due to absences can not be filled-in until the expiration of term of removed board member.

Annex.

4.c.  Payment made by members for absences should be kept in the local council under a trust fund regularly accounted and reported by the executive board's treasurer during regular board meetings.  the fund is to be separated from local council's regular financial transactions.  

4.d.  The use of this fund is to be determined by all of its members' approval during a regular board meetings for which all are present  and individually expressed their respective position.  Minutes of the meetings has to be written and approved by the board on the next board meeting before the council finally release the fund.

ATTENDANCE TO ANY OUT OF TOWN SCOUTING ENGAGEMENT

5.  Chairman as part of the local council key-3 Official has the privilege to be part of the official delegation to be registered care-of council's fund including its necessary accommodation and meals for the duration of the engagement.  Necessary transportation however is not shouldered by the local council.  Proxy Attendance of any but not both of the Chairman's Vice Chair is allowed in case the chairman can not attend the engagement.  Proxy has to enjoy the same privilege the chair would have on the engagement.

5.a.  All other members of the LCEB except the Chairman who wishes to attend an engagement has to shoulder their own registration fees, transportation and meals for the whole duration of the engagement.  Accommodation of all of the members participating however has to be shouldered by the local council

OTHER ACTIVITIES PROMOTING CAMARADERIE AND EXEMPLARY WORKING RELATIONSHIP TOWARDS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND ITS LOCAL SCOUT LEADERS

6.  It is the responsibility of the Chairman to device efforts to better encourage professional relationship among members and make the most of each leader responsive to coordination and cooperation with the purpose of gaining success in all of its undertaking.  Needless to say, a healthy team working together is a sure key to a more vigorous and Laguna council

STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Rover Scouting: "Go Beyond"

  Post under construction

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

1^ST QUADRANT

MY SAGADA SOJOURN

Spelunking in Sagada, Mountain Province

Rationale: Personality Development

                Spelunking is the exploration of caves for recreational purposes or just for fun. People who enter caves with the bare minimum of equipment are said to be spelunking.  Spelunkers do not collect scientific data.

Objectives:

1.       Explore Sumaguing cave

2.       Explore Sugong & Lumiang Caves

3.       Explore Matangkib Cave and Latang underground river

4.       Discovering adventures in faraway place like Sagada

5.       Taking the “off-beaten path”

6.       Pushing self to personal limit for adventure

Date of Activity: March 2-6, 2004

 

Planned Itinerary

Documentation

Sagada pictures

  

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

1^ST QUADRANT

“Likhang-Kamay” Sunflower Basket

Rationale: Livelihood Project

Likhang-Kamay project concept is a handicraft making contest in search for product/s that will showcase the town of its industry and give its local residents opportunity of earning money while staying in the comfort of their respective homes. 

Objectives

1.       To present kababayans’ artistic skills and tap it as sustainable means of livelihood.

2.       To cultivate local folks’ artistic inclination in handicraft-making that will eventually benefit themselves including their families.

3.       To scout for local products that will showcase the municipality and its people in the market, whether be it domestic or international in scope.

4.       To create awareness to local people that indigenous material has a great potential only if one can develop its artistic functionality and marketability.

Project Date: 1991 - 2002

 

Project Recipients and Earnings

Documentation

Project Partners:

·         Nagcarlan “Ana Kalang” Jaycees

·         Municipal Government of Nagcarlan

·         Chysarra, Inc.

 

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

1^ST QUADRANT

“Sagip-Ilog”

Rationale:  Community Service

The notion of involving people in serving their own community in response to the growing environment problems.  Execution of the project will bring about leadership potential hopefully for youth cultural and educational reforms.

Objectives:

1.        Assume meaningful role and respond to the real needs of the community.

2.       To contribute actively to the community and create a culture that will nurture our environment and clearly understands its future generations’ benefits.

Project Date:  2002 - present

Documentation

Project Partners:

·         Municipal Health Office of Nagcarlan

·         Local Barangay units

·         Community Environment and Natural Resources Office

 

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

1^ST QUADRANT

District wide Basic Training Course for Unit Leaders

Support Staff

Rationale:  Attending BSP Unit Leader Training Course

Objective:

Date:  December 7-9, 2001

Documentation

Certificate

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

1^ST QUADRANT

“Knight”

Knights of Columbus Membership

Rationale:  Religious Upliftment

Knights of Columbus is one of the highly regarded Institution in our community. It is known for its credibility in serving the community and deep spiritual responsibility as shown not only as an institution but reflected on every individual member. When invited to join, I never hesitated and immediately proceeded. Believing in the organization uplifts my spiritual sense and serves the supreme master even more fulfilling the K of C’s mission.

K of C Mission Statement:

Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. is fully committed to provide optimum mutual benefits to all its members and their immediate families;

Competent and relentless in our effort to achieve continuous growth, stability and efficient service, we always remain loyal, results-oriented and completely committed to our assigned tasks;

Fully aware of our moral and social responsibility, we contribute to membership development and worthy causes for the good of the Order and of the Nation;

Aspiring to be a premier mutual benefit association, we exemplify the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in our service;

Perpetually inspired and directed by our Founders and the Board of Trustees, we highly regard our dynamic and dedicated field representatives, management and staff as our valued resources; and,

Imbued with the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism, we maintain utmost flexibility in meeting the demands of the times as we stand resolutely firm in the pursuit of our avowed objectives.

Objectives of K of C:

Rev. Fr. Michael J. McGivney, a twenty-nine year old Catholic Priest of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A. was deeply concerned with the plight of his parishioners who suffered discrimination because of their ancestry or religion. Appalled by the poverty and misery which befell most families when the breadwinners die, Rev. Fr. McGivney gathered a handful of Catholic laymen in the basement of his Church on October 2, 1881 to discuss how to best resolve the problems that beset his flock.

The response was enthusiastic. On March 29, 1882, the Knights of Columbus was incorporated and obtained legal status in the State of Connecticut, U.S.A. Its Charter specifies the following purposes:

a) of rendering pecuniary aid to its members, their families and beneficiaries of members and their families;

b) of rendering mutual aid and assistance to its sick, disabled and needy members and their families;

c) of promoting social and intellectual intercourse among its members and their families; and

d) of promoting and conducting educational, charitable, religious social welfare, war relief and welfare, and public relief work.

Thus, the Order is considered a Catholic, Family, Fraternal, and Service Organization.

The name "Knights of Columbus" was adopted simply because the organizers strongly felt that the organization should relate to Christopher Columbus, the Catholic explorer of the new world, to underscore their pride in America's Catholic heritage. The name of "Columbus" evokes the aura of Catholicity and affirmed the discovery of America as a Catholic event and the term "Knights" was adopted to signify the embodiment of knightly ideals of spirituality and service to Church, country and fellowmen.

Membership Date : 1997-2003

Documentation

Pictures

Attachments

K of C rooster

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

2^ND QUADRANT

“RIGODON de HONOR”

A Social Dance

Rationale:  Personal Development

Objectives:

1.        To learn and dance the “rigodon de honor”

2.       Become part of the ensemble to perform the “rigodon de honor” in the celebration of Anakalang Festival

Date:  April 2002

Documentation:

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

2^ND QUADRANT

“High-Value Vegetable Farming”

Rationale:  Livelihood Project

It is a policy of the government to accelerate the growth and development of agriculture in general, enhance productivity and incomes of farmers and the rural population, improve investment climate, competencies and efficiency of agribusiness and develop high-value crops as export crops that will significantly augment the foreign exchange earnings of the country, through an all-out promotion of the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of high-value crops in suitable areas of the country. Republic Act No. 7900 – High-Value crops development. 1995

Objectives:

To become one of the front liners of introducing new technology in farming and high-value crops production that will aim in the following goals:

1. To improve the productivity and sustainability of fruit and vegetable production systems that meet market demand.
2. To improve the efficiency and equity of selected fruit and vegetable market chains through targeted innovations in markets, institutions and policies.
3. To improve the quality of fruit and vegetables for traders and consumers and to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables by the urban and rural poor.
4. To develop new approaches to human capital development that is driven by technology-dependent economic opportunity and entrepreneurship within the horticultural sector of developing countries.

Date:  2002 onwards

Documentation:

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

2^ND QUADRANT

“Relief-to-the-grief”

Someone’s waste is another one’s treasure

Rationale:  Collecting old clothes for charitable institution

Our family is very fortunate to have the Madonna Mission of Missouri, USA as project partner.  The international counterpart relentlessly sends boxes of relief goods for distribution to indigent people and victims of natural disasters in our community. Mostly old clothes and old house utensils, we had the privilege to distribute them by our discretion to the most needy and impoverished kababayans.

On a much wider scale, I personally contacted The Red Cross – Laguna Chapter to become a partner in this endeavour. Confident of their logistics and network to reach needy people whenever the need arises, we chose them as our partner in distribution of the relief goods.

Objective:

1.       Continuously communicate with the Madonna Mission and act as the conduit recipient of the relief good boxes sent over for distribution.

2.       Identify indigent families in Nagcarlan.

3.       Request from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office records of under-privileged families living in every barangay of Nagcarlan.

4.       Schedule visits to the area of the identified beneficiary families and re-confirm their condition.

5.       Distribution of goods.

6.       Communicating with the Red Cross and schedules pick-up of boxes for distribution at their own discretion.

Date:  2003 - present

Project Partner

Madonna Mission, USA

Philippine National Red Cross – Laguna Chapter

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

2^ND QUADRANT

Council wide CLTC, Pre and Final Board of Review

Facilitator: “Safety” / Support Staff

Rationale: Service to the Scouting Movement

Objective:

1.       To provide lecture on “Safety”

2.       Demonstrate/ Illustrate equipment on an outdoor activity

Date:  November 22- 24, 2002

Facilitation Plan

Documentation

Pictures

Attachments:

Memorandum

Certificate

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

2^ND QUADRANT

A date with my Creator

Rationale:  Attending Religious Services

Religion to me is a personal relationship with God, not with the religious society in which I belong. I attend masses because I wish to visit and talk to God in a regular ordinary passion, similar to what others do.  But I also have my prime time of interacting with my creator a little different from the rest.  It’s a rather deeper, more private but simple way of talking to my Lord and my God. 

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste;

And remember what peace there may be in silence.”

Objective:

I see this not as an obligation, not a way of life, not a personal promise but rather a personal excitement of interacting with God with deeper meaning and implication in my personal being, though oftentimes openly interpreted  by other people to be a manner somehow acceptable to the regular norm or regular religious act. 

Documentation

MY ROVER PEER UNSTRUCTURED ADVANCEMENT

3^RD QUADRANT

“The Road to Tayak”

Rationale: Researching on local history

Tayak or Tayak Hill as it is being called today is my favourite nearby regular weekend hiking destination.  Started in early 2002, my curiosity to know more about the place progresses. Realizing that there was no written information about the place, I went ahead and do some researches and interviews until I come with “The Road to Tayak” article published in the internet.

Objective:

1.       To mingle with the local folks living in the area.

2.       To inquire of known stories that they personally or their parents or family members encountered sometime in the past. 

3.       To research for any written local history being kept on government or church offices.

Documentation

Picture from an internet site