New Thomasian Scouts affirm loyalty to Scouting Spirit; Girl Scouts show future of Women Leadership

Story By: Georgene Quilaton-Tambiga
Photos By: Ma. Nita V. Bolo and Rheyxs Fernandez

San Carlos City, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL–“CST-R! Ever Loyal! CST-R! Ever Faithful!”

New Thomasian scouts affirmed their loyalty to Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos and to the spirit of scouting during the CST-R Solidarity Day 2020.

At least 238 Grade 7 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts received their scouting scarf during the Investiture Ceremony. Teachers, parents, senior scouts assisted the newbies.

Thomasian scouts from Grade 7 to 9, alumni scouts in Grade 10 and the Rover Scouts of the Senior High School Department participated in the Solidarity Day, March 13, 2020, that involved the Recitation of Oaths and Law, Inspection of Troops and Parade and Review.

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“Scouting Lives On”

This year’s Solidarity Day guest speaker was Scout Woodbadge Holder Sir Emiliano Rombo from the Department of Education Division of San Carlos Scouting Committee.

Sir Rombo emphasized how the spirit of scouting lives on even though scouts move on to adulthood.

“There is no retirement in scouting,” Rombo told Thomasian scouts. He added that Thomasian scouts actualize their faith in God because despite the scare and panic of pandemic COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel corona virus, they have gathered, marched on and pledged their loyalty to scouting and its laws at the historic CST-R football field.

Rombo ended his short talk by inspiring Thomasians to use scouting as a means for them to develop into better citizens for the better future of the Philippines. He is also considered an icon in scouting in San Carlos City.

Guests

Fray Joel A. Alve, OAR, school director and principal, led the Inspection of Troops together with guests Ma’am Glenda Arañes, president of San Carlos City Private Schools Association (SCCPSA) and Sir Rombo. Among the other guests were San Pedro Academy (Valencia, Negros Oriental) principal Fray Dexter Tanquis, OA,R Scout Woodbadge Holder-Julio Ledesma National High School Field Scout Adviser Sir Erwin Convite, Scout Woodbadge Holder- Field Scout Commissioner of the Municipality of Toboso Sir Rommel P. Dayot, and Scout Woodbadge Holder-Eagle Scout Sir Brylle De Guzman.

The Thomasian Girl Scouts

In an iconic display of the future of women power, the Thomasian Girl Scouts braved the March (Women’s Month) heat and also took their oath after the investiture. They showcased their discipline during the Parade and Review and presentation of songs and yells.

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CST-R GSP alumni also joined the Parade and Review showing the development of young scouts into young leaders.

Senior Patrol Leader (S.Y. 2018-2019) Marquila Ezra Anais P. Ponferada said that “scouting is fun” and has allowed her to grow and boost her confidence. Ponferada pointed that through CST-R scouting she gained lasting friendship with fellow scouts, treasured life experiences and most of important of all leadership skills. With 19 badges on her sash, she has been a senior GSP member since 2016 and has joined countless camps in Negros Island.

Scouting in CST-R

CST-R’s scouting program was revived in 2010. It now has at least 695 senior scouts from Grade 7 to 9. Alumni and officer scouts are in Grade 10. While there are at least 50 to 60 Rover Scouts.

Scout Master Clint Cuico and Scout Master Shiena Basanta lead and train the BSP and GSP of CST-R, respectively.