President Rodrigo Duterte was installed as the new Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) during the Baden Powell Day of the World Scout Organization in Malacañan Palace on Monday, April 3.

In his message, the President said he was grateful and honored to have been formally installed as the Chief Scout of the BSP signifying his readiness to face challenges and responsibilities that the investiture would bring.

“We, in government, see the formation of the Filipino youth as a vital [tool] in nation-building. What becomes of today’s youth will determine what becomes of our country in the future,” he said.

He commended the BSP for teaching young boys to become proactive and law-abiding citizens.

“The organization has taught them self-reliance, discipline and scouting movement. It is also inculcated among them the values of [civic] consciousness and courage and love for country,” he added.

He likewise underscored the role of the BSP in the country’s fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality that continue to erode the foundations of the nation.

He said the BSP helps in the youth’s character formation as he expressed confidence that the organization and all its scouts would remain as partners of government for change.

“I call upon the members of this august organization to help uphold the Scout Oath and Law and let us continue to pursue and aspire for what is right, good and just,” he said.

The President also expressed his frustration over a law that let juveniles off the hook even if they committed grave offenses. He said the law has given rise to many young people growing with criminal minds.

But he told the young scouts that he will do everything in his power to protect them from the scourge of illegal drugs for them, grow healthy and become the country’s leaders in the future.

At the same time, he said he wants ROTC be reintroduced to instill in today’s youth a sense of discipline and accountability. ###PND