4,500 Scouts learn skills, protect nature at Mindanao jamboree

CAGAYAN de Oro City — About 4,500 Scouts and leaders from across Mindanao planted trees, learned outdoor skills and built friendships during the 7th One Mindanao Scout Jamboree in Lala, Lanao del Norte. 

Held Sept. 3–6 at Camp Obedencia in Barangay Pendulonan, the four-day gathering combined youth leadership training with environmental activities, skills competitions, and cultural exchanges. 

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) said the activities gave young participants a chance to learn about protecting the environment while developing discipline, teamwork, and leadership. 

BSP Secretary General Atty. Cedrick G. Train said outdoor activities help young people understand the value of nature and ecosystems. 

“Malaki ang kontribusyon ng Scouting sa environmental protection,” Train said, noting that Scouts gain knowledge and appreciation for the environment through outdoor activities. 

The jamboree featured adventure activities such as Bagani Obstacles, Future-Ready Village, and Global Development Village. Scouts also joined tree planting, skills competitions, campfires, and cultural fellowship nights. 

BSP National President Atty. Emilio B. Aquino said the gathering showed how young people from different communities can come together despite their differences. 

“This Jamboree proves that our diversity is not a divide. It is our greatest power,” he said.

Aquino, the first Eagle Scout elected as BSP national president, said Scouting also prepares young people to serve and lead their communities. 

Department of Education (DepEd)-10 Regional Director Dr. Ruth L. Fuentes urged the Scouts to use the jamboree to learn from people with different backgrounds. 

“You represent the whole of the young scouts and young leaders of Mindanao,” Fuentes said. “There is unity in diversity, and there's also learning in diversity.” 

She also reminded the Scouts to use technology and information carefully and to use good judgment in deciding what is right and wrong.

 Youth leadership beyond the camp

Local officials said the jamboree also allowed Lanao del Norte to support youth development. 

Lala Mayor Angel “Tata” Yap said the gathering was more than a series of camping activities. 

“This Jamboree is more than camps and activities. It is a training ground for character, leadership, and camaraderie,” he said. 

Lanao del Norte Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo also thanked the BSP for choosing the province as host and stressed the need for strong youth programs and partnerships. 

“Importante kaayo na we have strong youth leaders, strong programs, strong partners in developing our youth,” he said. 

Train thanked the Lanao del Norte Council, local government and community for supporting the event. He said the nearly three-hectare campsite can accommodate Scouts from Lanao del Norte and nearby areas as development continues. 

Skills that go beyond Scouting 

For the young participants, the jamboree offered lessons they could bring home. 

MG-Sulu Council Scout Elemar A. Lucas traveled about eight hours by sea before continuing by land to Lanao del Norte. He said the long trip was worth it because of the skills, experiences, and friendships he gained. 

His message to other young people was simple: join Scouting. 

Through Scouting, he said, young people can gain skills they can use in everyday life and in the future. 

Iligan City Council Scout and Venturer Kraig Oliveros, who has been in Scouting for 11 years, said meeting Scouts from other communities helped him develop his social skills and build friendships. 

South Cotabato Council Eagle Scout Mae Ann Tañiegra said Scouting taught her lessons beyond travel, including discipline and skills not always learned in school. 

For Pantao Ragat Agro-Industrial High School Scout Bolkiya Bauda Ampatua of Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, three years in Scouting taught him to be thrifty, resilient and patient. 

“Kung may pagsubok man o may mga problema, harapin po natin ito at huwag po tayong sumuko agad-agad,” he said. 

Davao Oriental Council Scout Rejoice L. Francisco of Maryknoll School of Lupon Inc. said her four years in Scouting helped her develop leadership, communication, and trust-building skills. 

The jamboree brought together young people from different parts of Mindanao not only to camp and compete, but also to learn, serve, and take home skills they can use in their communities. (With a report from Lou Ellen L. Antonio /PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)