THE Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) recently held its 24th National Council Convention in Summit Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay City from May 25 to 28, 2018 with over 300 delegates who traveled from different regions in the country.
With its theme, “The ART of Governance: Accountability. Responsibility. Transparency,” the National Council, as the highest consultative and deliberative body of the GSP, will chart the strategic direction the GSP will take for the next three years as Girl Scout Leaders vow to strengthen the Girl Scout Program in the field.
Among its priorities are (1) re-strengthening of the GSP Program in the field that it may continue to address the social issues faced by girls and young women of today; (2) intensifying its membership campaign among students, this time to include membership into Catholic Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding in the Philippines; and (3) reinforcing Girl Scout presence in communities through girl-led development projects on health, the environment, livelihood, and cultural heritage.
Highlights of this 3-day convention include the Convention and Triennial Awards recognizing individuals and institutions for their support to girl scouting and the election of new leaders that will complete the Triennium 2018-2021 Central Board. One of the Individual Citation awardees is our very own Honorable Judge Virginia H. Europa of the Eastern Mindanao Region Davao Girl Scout Council, also a Council Life Member and Chairman of the Regional Personnel Committee. During the GSP 78th Anniversary Celebration at the Taal Vista Hotel, the women wore their resplendent GSP ternos.
The newly-elected Officers of the Central Board are: Susan R. Locsin (National President); Dr. Fe Violeta B. Taring (1st National Vice President); Dr. Cristina L. Yuson (2nd National Vice President); Dr. Josefina M. Parentela (National Secretary); Atty. Eugenia U. Fernandez (National Treasurer); Olivia Celeste M. Villafuerte (Asst. National Secretary); Dr. Dinah F. Mindo (Asst. National Treasurer); and Dr. Salud A. Bagalso (International Commissioner). They took their oath of office before Tagaytay City Mayor, Honorable Agnes D. Tolentino.
It was also announced that the next city to host the National Convention in 2021 is the booming Tagum City in Davao del Norte (Region XI), Mindanao. I am honored to take part in this huge affair as the official photographer and supporter (I was a frequent workshop resource speaker during their past events).
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines is the largest character-building organization for girls and young women, with more than 2 million members all over the Philippines. For 78 years, it has closely partnered with government agencies, private institutions, and civic organizations in bringing girl scouting to more and more girls through its unique and relevant programs and activities. Visit www.girlscouts.org.ph for more information.
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(Jojie Alcantara is a long time columnist and workshop speaker based in Davao City. Proudly writing for SunStar Davao for more than two decades, in this nest she has grown as an avid traveler and photographer. Email at jojiealcantara@gmail.com or visit her blog kodakerdabawenya.com.)