Take a look into Girl Scouting in the Philippines
The first time I ever encountered a Girl Scout was when I was in grade school, and the one thing I remember is being taken aback by their green uniforms.
It wasn’t the image I was expecting. I had become so used to the depiction seen in Western movies of little girls selling cookies door-to-door in their tan outfits, that it didn’t occur to me that there could be anything different from that.
More than just their cute outfits, being a member of Girl Scouts Philippines is all about teaching life lessons, and the Filipino scouting scene excels at supporting the girls they mentor and helping them help others. At their very core, every Girl Scout joins to be a part of a group of women where they can grow together holistically.
Learn more about GSP from the Scouts themselves, as they talk about how important being part of the GSP sisterhood is to them.
Dr. Cristina Lim-Yuson
National President
What made you want to become a Girl Scout?
I grew up in a Girl Scout family. It was my grandmother, Pilar Hidalgo-Lim who was then the president of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) when I joined at around six years old. My sister (CheChe Lazaro) and I were happy brownies. Then, in high school, I joined the Intermediate Girl Scouts. At that time, my mother, Estefania Aldaba-Lim was the national president of GSP.
Starting from your time as a new scout and until your position now, what would you say is the biggest change in GSP?
Girl Scouting in the Philippines has grown tremendously. In May, we will be celebrating 82 years of scouting. The organization has become more polished with 96 Councils throughout the country, but the main focus is growing the membership. Ideally, we should be around 2-3 million girls throughout the country, but due to the long pandemic, our membership has dropped drastically. First, because school was called off and almost all troops are school-based.
During the pandemic, what initiatives and programs has GSP carried out?
GSP continued a partnership with ABS CBN "Bayan mo, ipatrol mo," being able to partner with Ben&Ben to lend their song Nakikinig ka ba sa akin? with regards to how Girl Scouts are experiencing the lockdown. On March 8, 2022, Women's Day, GSP and SM Supermalls announced its partnership on vaccinating the Girl Scouts aged 5-11 and this was rolled out on April 2. Hopefully, we can get our girls vaccinated so that they not only can return to school but go outdoors for Girl Scout camping.
Hyacinth B. Bangero
National Secretary, Chairperson, Communications Committee
What made you want to become a Girl Scout?
It was because of the green uniform; later, the possibility of earning badges, which I could sew in my sash. Seriously speaking, as the only girl in the family, it was in scouting where I found sisters from all over the world who I can count on.
What does GSP mean to you?
It offered me opportunities that no other organization can offer to girls and young women. I am hopeful that through making an impact in the life of every Girl Scout we meet, we can slowly change the world as this girl is a part of a family, an organization, and a bigger community.
Mariane Dorothy P. Rosario
Cadet Girl Scout
What made you want to become a Girl Scout?
I always wanted to join GSP solely for its famous camping. But after becoming a member, I found new reasons to stay. One thing that I love about Girl Scouting is the freedom it gives to its members to freely choose the activities they want to join. It is in GSP that I realized that learning is never confined within the four walls of the classroom.
What has been your favorite or most memorable experience as part of GSP?
The most memorable event was when I represented the WAGGGS to the United Nations 65th Commission on the Status of Women. Although held virtually, it was such a learning experience as I got to speak with our Permanent Representative to the UN to ensure that policies on VAWG are given high importance, especially during this pandemic.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from being part of GSP?
Growing up as a girl in a patriarchal environment, I have always been afraid to voice out my opinions and be myself because I was told that girls should be confined to certain standards created by society. It was life-changing to be in an empowering environment with my Girl Scout Titas and fellow Girl Scouts.
Allyza Sophia Manundo
Cadet Girl Scout, Girl Representative, Western Mindanao Region
What made you want to become a Girl Scout?
I wanted to participate in obstacle courses and I enjoyed watching my schoolmates who were Girl Scouts enjoy the activities. Also, one of the reasons I decided to become a Girl Scout is that I want to be an Army official someday.
What has been your favorite or most memorable experience as part of GSP?
My favorite memory is attending my first camp, the 29th Regional Camp. I was a mere Grade 7 student with no understanding of Scouting because I attended a private school that does not have a Scouting organization. Yet despite this, my GSP Ates would teach me things that I didn't know.
Aira Collene S. Ragos
Cadet Girl Scout. Girl Representative, Northern Luzon Region
What made you want to become a Girl Scout?
I always wanted to serve and do more. My mother knew that, so she helped me become a Girl Scout. The Girl Scout movement gave me a chance to develop my potential, work on my advocacies, make friends and have fun.
What does GSP mean to you?
Our uniform, shared values, and commitment in GSP make us part of something bigger, part of a team, and part of a worldwide movement. GSP has been the place for me to take chances. At the same time, there is always a place for every woman in GSP, no matter who you are or your background.
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You can learn more about the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and their projects in their headquartees at 901 Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila and mobile number, +63 2 85238331 to 42. For more information you can send email , visit their website and follow on Facebook and Youtube
