Boy Scouts of the Philippines

Did the Boy Scouts of the Philippines always exist?  No.  The seeds of this organization were sown long ago, in 1910, during the American occupation. The Boy Scouts of the Philippines, or BSP as it’s often called, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of scouting. Right here in Manila, the heart of the Philippines, scouting took root and flourished. The first documented Filipino troop emerged in 1914, in Zamboanga City. This troop, known as the Lorillard Spencer Troop, comprised 26 Muslim boys and was organized by Sherman L. Kiser under the sponsorship of Mrs. Caroline S. Spencer. In 1923, the Rotary Club of Manila established the Philippine Council of the Boy Scouts of America. This council played a crucial role in formalizing scouting as a national movement. The Boy Scouts of the Philippines was legally established in 1936 through Commonwealth Act No. 111, signed by President Manuel Quezon. This act solidified the BSP’s identity as a public corporation. The BSP’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 1963, tragedy struck when 24 members of the BSP delegation perished in a plane crash en route to the 11th World Scout Jamboree in Greece. To honor their memory, streets in Quezon City were named after them. The BSP has also adapted to changing times.  During the Marcos regime (1975-1986), it was renamed Kapatirang Scout ng Pilipinas. However, it reverted to its original name after the People Power Revolution. Today, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines continues to thrive. It offers programs for boys of all ages, from KID Scouting for preschoolers to Rover Scouting for young adults. The BSP’s mission remains to instill values of love for God, country, and fellowmen, and to shape young people into responsible leaders.