THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE

GIRL SCOUTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

New Opportunities of Winners OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE ISSN 1908-3882

     
   
National President’ s Message :
With pride and happiness, I congratulate you for being recipients of the 2016 Chief Girl Scout Medalists! The projects you
completed answered what your communities needed, and that made your journey more meaningful and relevant. You knew you
could not do things alone, and so you reached out to family, friends, and local leaders. In doing so, you learned about the value
of humility and discovered your leadership potential. I believe, these qualities will help you get farther in your life journey.
After one year of working on your projects, your sacrifices paid off. The Medal you will receive today will forever be a reminder
of how you can achieve your dreams through hard work, understanding, and perseverance. True to its promise, the Chief Girl
Scout Medal Scheme helped mold you into better persons, improved your skills, and taught you to relate with others.
As I congratulate you, I want you to always grab every opportunity that allows you
to be of service to your neighbor and to your country. Be proud you are Girl Scouts.
Serve with passion and love. Serve others the Girl Scout way. Congratulations!

The Pocket Forest that Promises According to Executive Order No. 26, the National Greening Program (NGP)

a Safer Environment
By Rain Rhymes F. Abanador
Chief Girl Scout Scheme Medalist
Oriental Mindoro Council, Southern Luzon Region
Without great effort, one can easily tell that clear water runs through soil
with vegetation; and unclean water runs through soil without vegetation …
Yet, why do we keep cutting trees and complain of water that is filthy and
unsafe?
President Jimmy Carter once said, “We must face the prospect of changing
our basic ways of living. This change will either be made on our own initiative
in a planned way or forced on us with chaos and suffering by the inexorable
laws of nature.”
Changes in the environment can already be felt throughout the planet, and
they seem to get worse from one calamity to another. Yes, it is scary, but we
must not lose hope. Each one of us can do something for the environment,
even in our own little ways.
My personal experiences and most significant contributions to the community
is a living testimony that age and status in life do not matter, as long as one
has the will to make a difference, to reach out, encourage, educate, and
share information and good experiences with others. Mother Earth may
not heal 100%, but it will be good to do something to stop it from further
degradation. As a certified Eco-Ranger and appointed USAID B+WISER Youth
Ambassador for Biodiversity Conservation in the Philippines, I was able to
apply my knowledge to my journey of becoming a Chief Girl Scout Medalist
which began on July 11, 2015.
of our government, each student and government official must plant at least
ten trees annually.
Without second thought, I chose my spot along Brgy. Lapog, a part of the
Naujan Lake National Park watersheds, being one of the seven protected
areas in the country, one of the Important Bird Areas in Mindoro, one of the
Conservation Priority Areas and Key Biodiversity Area in the Philippines, and
recognized worldwide as a Wetland of International Importance. Another
target for this Scheme was educating the youth in the barangay. For easy and
fast communication, I chose registered Senior Scouts residing in Brgy. Lapog
as a part of my working committee: Ghail Z. Macutong, Rachel Ann R. Lanete,
Maria Angelica M. Denia, Babylyn L. Tumaca and Crystel Ann Tuerto.
And there, the project Pocket Forest of Bangkal Trees in Brgy. Sto. Domingo
was born… The success of the project was not possible without the help of
Brgy. Kagawad Glenn G. Macutong and his family, Councilor Jose C. Manalo,
Bantay Lawa President Vicente Espiritu and his wife, Barangay Council of
Lapog, Mr. Rayson C. Alfante of CENRO Socorro, LNHS Troop Leader Agnes R.
Beron, Council Executive Miss Judith Jabal, and the whole GSP OrMin Council,
my family, and Almighty God.
Honestly, undertaking this project was not an easy task, especially when one
was playing tug-of-war with the unpredictable weather. The first batch of our
potted cuttings was wasted, as they submerged in flood water from Naujan
Lake and the second batch dried due to extreme heat. Only the third batch
of potted seedlings survived after our careful handling of the trees through
regular watering and weeding. And when the Turn-Over ceremony came, it
was a very overwhelming moment, like a school graduation, leaving us smiling
at all the challenges and difficulties we faced throughout the project. Imagine
how our hearts leapt when majority of the evaluators gave our project rating
of 100%.
Now, I am happy to inform the whole world that the people in the community
continues the legacy I entrusted to them. Brgy. Lapog Council and youth,
CENRO-Socorro, Municipality of Socorro and 303rd TASG 3rd Task Brigade
(Mindoro Reservist) work hand-in-hand to ensure the trees’ survival.
I wish we made Mother Earth happy despite what she’s going through right
now. How about you, what have you done for the planet today?
We, Girl Scouts, are blessed for having this kind of Scheme where we can find
our purpose and make life worth-living.
To all the girls out there: Make a change. Be brave to speak and act. Inspire
people. And witness how you’ll move the world and save Mother Earth!
 My Journey In Preserving The Environment
By Corinne Anne Thea Betina Barrientos
Chief Girl Scout Medalist, Northern Luzon

I joined the search for the Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme (CGSMS) to help protect and
preserve the environment.

“All things are bright and beautiful,” a motivational phrase that inspired me to do my fair
share in keeping Mother Earth healthy. I believe she deserves my tender loving care, the
reason I embarked on an ecology project beautifying and constructing a Pergola/Interactive
Center at Barangay Alibagu, Community Center, City of Ilagan, Isabela.

To begin and complete the project, I was blessed to get my parents’ permission, as well as
their financial and moral support. I collected and sold plastic bottles and recyclable materials
for additional sources of funds. And, with trust, confidence, and effective communication,
I mustered enough courage to approach and deliver solicitation letters to heads of offices
like the DENR, DAR, Barangay Alibagu, DepEd Schools, as well as Private individuals and
organizations. With positive responses from their end, all the needed project requirements
were delivered from the architectural design and construction materials. Beautification
materials like recyclable tires, seedlings of ornamental trees, and vegetables were made
available for edible landscaping. Today, the neglected area is transformed into a haven for
children, parents and other community members.

Working with the barangay stakeholders, other government officials, private individuals,
and organization heads was a rewarding experience. The project heightened the awareness
of the community about saving the environment. More importantly, maintain a safe and
clean environment is now institutionalized in the barangay. The spirit of volunteerism and sharing of resources was deepened. Strong teamwork or
the “WE” feeling was developed.

My Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme journey was a self-actualization. It changed my perspective as a young girl leader. I have become more faithful in
God and His provisions. My experiences in the project drew me closer to Him. Even though the phases of the project implementation were challenging,
I gained new knowledge and enhanced my skills in leadership, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. And, during the implementation of my
project, I pursued the values of respect, resourcefulness, hard work, kindness, loyalty, helpfulness, cooperation, commitment, and unity.

Ellen Keller said, “Aone, we can do little; together, we can do much”. I believe that. My CGSMS journey was the best thing that ever happened to me.
My gratitude goes to the Heavenly Father, the source of my inspiration; my parents, relatives, and friends for their moral support; the GSP and the
Isabela Girl Scout Council, headed by Council Executive Ma. Leilanie Batarao for the opportunity and guidance; my Troop Leader Narcisa Cabalonga
for her care and concern; and to everyone who contributed to the completion of my project, thank you, sincerely.

ECOLOGY: Beautification Of Neglected Area  

By: Sr. Scout Maicah Sofia D. Borres
Capiz Council, Visayas Region

Everything is important especially the world we live in: earth. We are duty bound to
protect it, so we can have a safer community and better life. In an ecosystem, all biotic
(living things) and abiotic (non-living things) factors interact with each other to ensure
that the ecosystem is perpetuated. Any outside interference may result in imbalance
and deterioration of the system.
As a concerned citizen of Poblacion Ilaya Maayon, Capiz, I saw places that needed
cleaning, beautifying, and developing in order to be livable. Coming from school, I used
to chance upon very filthy areas, and every time I passed them by, grasses kept growing
along the roadsides. Garbage was also all around because there were no trash bins for
wastes.  
These observations prompted me to work on ECOLOGY: BEAUTIFICATION OF NEGLECTED
AREA, as my development project for the Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme.
It was such a great fulfillment to see how the place was transformed into a safe haven
for everyone, that each child would have a place where they could play and experience
what it is like to be a child. Everyone in the barangay was reminded to dispose of their
wastes properly.
With this project, I believe I have not only touched their mind, but also their inner self,
where the values of honesty, patience, and love for the environment were nurtured.
Lastly, I have proven my self-worth. At a young age, I realized I could reach out to
people and remind them that taking care of the environment is the greatest gift we can
offer for the generations to come.

| October 2016 Issue

 NAMASTE FROM NEPAL!
GSP at the 12th Asia Pacific Regional Conference
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines joined 23 other Member Organizations at the 12th Asia Pacific
Regional Conference held from August 29 to September 2, 2016, in Kathmandu, Nepal. With the
theme, Hamro Danphe: Connect. Grow. Impact. Nepal Scouts hosted the 5-day conference at Hotel
Yak and Yeti and welcomed 99 official delegates and observers. Eight guest organizations were
also present. The theme highlighted the national bird of Nepal, Danphe, whose colors depict the
diversity found in the Asia Pacific Region. Yet, when this diversity is unified and connected in the spirit of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting, growth manifests
and creates impact in our homes, communities, the Region, and the world. Another element to the theme is Danphe being an endangered species in
Nepal. Hence, numerous projects focus on protecting the Danphe so that many will continue to enjoy its beauty. Likewise, in Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting,
it is imperative that we strive to be more, better, and versatile, so that we could thrive through changes and challenges.
GSP’s Official delegates were National President Susan R. Locsin and International Commissioner Dr.
Salud Bagalso. Observers were 1st National Vice President and Program Committee Chairperson Dr.
Cristina Lim-Yuson; National Executive Director Mrs. Ma. Dolores T. Santiago; Eastern Mindanao Regional
Chairperson Mrs. Norma A. Sur; Eastern Mindanao Region Cadet Girl Scout Jeselle Mae Sebandal; and
Communications OIC/Publications Section Head Mrs. Bella Celeste A. Velasco.
During the Opening Ceremony, the conference was honored by the presence of the Right Honorable
President of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, elected in October 2015 and Nepal’s first female head of
state. In her message, given in Nepali (Nepal’s official language), she warmly welcomed the delegates
to the historical, cultural, and ancient city of Kathmandu. She mentioned the heartbreaking effects
of the earthquake that devastated Nepal in 2015, this time expressing her deepest gratitude for the
remarkable role of Nepal Scouts in relief and rescue programmes being undertaken to help the country,
and of the support extended by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world who directly or indirectly
helped their efforts.

Another highlight of the Conference was the election of the new Asia Pacific Regional Committee, with
our very own Judge Marybelle D. Mariñas as Chairperson: (from right to left)
1. Meghana Shankar Belavadi (India) 4. Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth (Thailand)
2. Myoung-Ock Ahn (Korea) 5. Minori Yuda (Japan)
3. Marybelle Demot Mariñas (Philippines) 6. Sui Lan Winnie She Tsui (Hong Kong)
The conference included Updates and Reports by the incumbent APR Committee; Best Practice Sessions
by selected Member Organizations; Focus Groups for Chief Commissioners, International Commissioners,
and Young Women; Future Strategy; consultations on Growth/Volunteerism, Brand/Value Proposition,
and Governance; Organizational Change; AP Regional Plan for 2017-2019; Launch of New Initiatives
and AP Partners; Risk Management & Organizational Continuity; Capacity Building Workshops; Voting
on Motions, Regional Committee, and 13th APR Conference Host; Tour of Kathmandu. Dr. Yuson led one
session under MO Best Practices, where our young adult delegate, Jeselle Sebandal, was invited to share
about her life-changing experience while undertaking the Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme. Jeselle was
also requested to share about volunteerism in one of the capacity building workshops.

The Procedural Team, June Cameron, Chief Scout of Nepal, Hon. Minister of Chief Commissioner Rabin Dahal and Joint Chief Commissioner
Youth & Sports, Daljit BK Shripali, with Manju Aryal handed over the WAGGGS flag to Sri Lanka GGA,
Mrs. Santiago (Chairperson), and Chris Wong Dato’ Dr. Juseon Byun, at the GSP booth host country for 2019

GATHERING OF THE FRIENDS OF AP

During the conference, the Friends of Asia Pacific
WAGGGS, with Mrs. Locsin as Chairperson, held its 6th
FAPW Gathering from August 28 to September 1, 2016.
78 new and upgrading members were presented during
the Membership Ceremony, six of whom were from the
Philippines. Upgrading members were Mrs. Lina Tanjuatco
(Rizal Council), Fe Paciotti (from silver to gold), Dr. Bagalso
(from gold to diamond), and Dr. Yuson (from gold to diamond
to titanium). New member was Lea M. Segarra.
 GIRL SCOUT WEEK CELEBRATION
In celebration of the birth anniversary of our dear Founder, Josefa Llanes Escoda, we celebrated the 2016 Girl Scout Week from
September 18 to 24, 2016. The theme being the Sustainable Development Goals, Councils were encouraged to focus their
activities on the SDGs. Relive our Girl Scout Week celebration in these captured moments!

N
O L
R U
T Z
H O
E N
R
N
Baguio Council Ilocos Norte-Laoag Council Cagayan Council

C
E L
N U
T Z
R O
A N
L
Bulacan Council Pasig City Council Mandaluyong City Council

S
O L
U U
T Z
H O
E N
R
N
Albay Council Batangas Council Palawan Council

V
I
S
A
Y
A
S
Cebu Council Antique Council Capiz Council

E M
A I
S N
T D
E A
R N
N A
O
Davao Council Davao Oriental Council Davao Council

WM
E IN
SD
T A
EN
RA
NO
Zamboanga City Council Maguindanao Council Lanao del Norte Council

MARISSU G. BUGANTE PRINCESS GRACHELLE M. DULDULAO

Chairperson, Communications Committee JENELYN R. MATAMIS
is published twice yearly by the
Girl Scouts of the Philippines DHARVIE L. CINCO
901 Padre Faura Street, Ermita, 1000 Manila BELLA CELESTE A. VELASCO SYHRA L. FABULA
Telephone: (02) 523-8331 to 42 | Fax: (02) 524-5144
E-mail: publications@girlscouts.org.ph OIC, Communications Division ELAINE KAREN R. MISTICA
communicationsgsp@gmail.com Head, Publications Section Communications & Publications Staff