THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) has underscored the vital role of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) in cultivating discipline, service, leadership, and preparedness among Filipino youth.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the upcoming national scouting meeting will include discussions on further strengthening swimming and water survival skills among young Filipinos.

“Hindi natin kontrolado ang lahat ng pagsubok na maaaring kaharapin ng ating mga kabataan, ngunit maaari natin silang ihanda. Ang kaalaman sa kaligtasan at survival ay maaaring maging pagkakaiba sa pagitan ng panganib at pag-asa, at minsan, sa pagitan ng buhay at kamatayan,” Angara said during the launch of the World of Scouting: Heritage and Adventure Camp at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati on Thursday.

The discussion comes in the wake of a recent tragedy in Aurora involving two student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University, highlighting the importance of water safety, proper training, and preparedness during outdoor and recreational activities.

Angara also paid tribute to teachers who acted swiftly to protect learners during the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.

“Before they became instructors, they became protectors. Before they checked on things, they checked on children,” he said, emphasizing the educators’ instinctive commitment to safeguarding their students.

The education chief stressed that schools must go beyond academic instruction and equip learners with the skills needed to navigate real-life challenges and uncertainties. He noted that practical survival skills are essential in helping students stay safe both inside and outside the classroom.

“Sa DepEd, patuloy nating pinapalakas ang ating mga programa para sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga mag-aaral. Pinagtitibay natin ang ating mga hakbang para sa mental health at child protection, pinapalawak ang ating kahandaan sa sakuna at pagtugon sa emergencies, at higit nating binibigyang-puwang ang mga programang humuhubog ng kabataan sa disiplina at paglilingkod,” Angara said.

He added that Scouting remains a key partner of the Department in shaping a generation of Filipinos who are prepared, compassionate, resilient, and ready to lead in times of adversity.