Sir Angie Matias

Mr. Angel D. Matias, or Angie as fondly called by many, passed away on February 22, 2006. Necrological services are scheduled on Tuesday 28 February 2006. Four o'clock in the afternoon at FMA Hall, Olongapo City Hall Complex and at six in the evening in the United Methodist Church.

The people of Olongapo, close associates, scouting community, especially his family were saddened upon knowing the death of a well-loved scouter and volunteer. His contribution to the youth of the City by serving in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines since 1957 up to 2006 has given so much inspiration to the local scouting community and has put Olongapo in the national and international scouting map.

Angie has been instrumental in the development of leaders both from Olongapo and from different councils. His training programs has became a model for succeeding scouting programs for scouts, scouters, and non-scouts. His expertise in the field of training, administration, operation and managerial aspect of scouting has been recognized nationally and even in the Asia Pacific Region.

Angie, at the time of his death has held several national scouting positions such as Internal Auditor, Director for Program & Training and Leader Development, Operations Director, and Regional Director for National Capital Regions and Central Luzon Region. He has also represented the country in numerous international scouting activities and has been appointed as Camp Director, and Administration Director for the annual Operation Smile International/Philippines Emergency Medical Training from 1994-2005. Mr. Matias has also served as Life Corporate Member of the YMCA of Olongapo from 1975-2006 and has served as President for the term 1986-87. He has also served as Regional Manager of Central Luzon Clavecilla Radio System, Philippines from 1970-1985 and Director of Zambales Press Club for the year 1965

James L Gordon, Sr remembered

JLG Council Scouts proudly posed with Senator Richard Gordon as Olongapo City remembers its founding father James Leonard Gordon, Sr.

NEW OFFICERS, NEW VISION
James L. Gordon Council discussed Plans for Summer 2006
by: gethro

The James L. Gordon council held its first monthly council meeting this morning, Feb.21, 2006, 9:00AM at Olongapo City Council's session hall to discuss the first round of activities for the month of March 1 to May 31, 2006.

After the induction of officers last February 16,2006, the James L. Gordon Council took the first step towards creating an active scouting program for the coming summer of 2006. Attended by 13 board members and scout commissioners headed by the 1st and 2nd council vice chairmen Mr. Gregorio Yang Elane and Hon. Edwin Piano respectively.

The meeting started with a short review of year 2005, where James L. Gordon council appears to have a seemingly good year for 2005 based on the record released by the BSP Regional Office. The council ranked number 1 on its membership campaign VS % to potential and number 3 on its achievement VS % to Goal. This ranking is based on the council’s achievement in registering new members which totaled to 8,362 (34.86% of potential and 52.26% of GOAL). With a clearer point of view, the numbers can be considered LOW or should I say behind the usual numbers expected. As recorded the potential members is gauge to a total of 23,986 and the said number is still at hand waiting to become part of the movement. After all, our ranking is actually a small reason to cheer for, but good enough to be congratulated. Despite multiple lineups of hurdles, the council managed to make it through, not with flying colors but at least with, pride and honor.

The need to raise the necessary fund for this year was also stressed-out during the said discussion, whereas it was noted that the local scouting council has been solely dependent on the National Fund Raising Raffle and on Membership share to fuel the whole year of 2005.

According to the report of Mr. Mario Esquillo (in-coming Council Scout Executive), the council may have missed the two most important factors in producing the needed results and achieving more membership for 2005. The two factors as he said are: Revolving/Operational Fund and Dynamic Line-up of programs and activities.

Mr. Esquillo presented the proposed activities in two (2) Phases. Phase I or the preparatory stage deals with the Creation of a Council Scouting Awareness Consistency Committee (SACC), Eagle Scout Conclave of Olongapo (JLG-ESCO), JLG Elite Scouting Program (JLG-ESP) and the Community Service Troop. These four (4), accoring to him, will be the council's main operational and functional units to represent the cream of the crop of local scouting. These scouts will then be summoned to attend a regular scouting service, bi-monthly training and will be groomed and trained to properly represent the council with PRIDE and HONOR that of a true SCOUT. They will serve as the best motivator for other scouts to strive and work their way-up to the ladder of excellence in scouting. To support this, a line-up of advancement activities, leadership and team building trainings is already being lined-up starting next week prior, during and after the scheduled council round-up on March 10, 2006

Phase II or the project implimentation stage deals with the new strategy in the council's Membership Campaign which will be started earlier in March instead of the usuall start in the month of August. The BSP membership will also be spiced-up with its new feature of converting the membership card into a Multi-Discount and Privilege Card to add-up to the BSP financial Assistance program benefit being recieved by each member. The council has also put into consideration the two possible Fund Raising Campaign for the local council namely Council’s Invitational Eagle Scouts Rendezvous and Summer Advancement Camp, A four day mini-camping and reunion camp which will cross with a two day summer advancement camp. This activity is targeted on April 27-30 and the Challenge City,a mimic of the popular “AMAZING RACE” and EXTRA CHALLENGE”. Targeted to really popularize our local scouting program while gathering the support of healthy individuals whose love for Challenge is by “heart” and not just by “will”. This will be a seven (7) day activity targeted to involve the whole city literally. The Challenge City project will not only promote scouting, but more so, our Local Tourism. Among the planned challenge are the following BSP obstacle challenge (Tapinac Oval), Fun Run “Takbo para sa Kabataan Fund Campaign”, Community Challenge, Livelihood Challenge, etc…. This activity is targeted on May 13-19, 2006.

The main goal is to bring back the glory of local scouting in place and create a well rounded program to support not just the scouts but the community as a whole.

Also present during the said meeting were Alberto Baviera (Administrative Officer),Ernesto Asuncion (Organization and Extension), Marcelino Andawi (Treasurer), Gregorio Manglicmot (Asst. Treasurer), Lutgarda Yanglay (Area IV), Hon. Angelina Andrada (Health and safety), Annabelle Gabriel (representing Hon. Robine Rose Buenafe of SK Federation), Maximo Venzon (Trainings and advancement), Namnama Roque (DepEd Coordinator), and Teresita Canaria (District Coordinator). The meeting was adjourned at around 12:05PM.

Follow-up meeting was scheduled on February 28, 2006, 9:00AM. Agenda for the said meeting is to finalize the feasibility of the upcoming summer activities.

Plant Trees

TREES don't necessarily need people. People definitely need trees. One tree can neutralize 26 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and give off 13 pounds of oxygen daily — that volume's enough for a family of four. One study points out that an acre of trees can render harmless 13 tons of airborne dust particles and deadly gases each year.

A single large tree can release up to 400 gallons of water into the atmosphere each day. That ought to explain the cooling effect of any stand of trees, say, the Arroceros Tree Park that'll soon be chopped dead by certain top officials of Manila.

Trees intercept rainwater, aid soil absorption for gradual release into streams — a natural function that curbs off flooding while filtering toxins and impurities, and extending water availability into dry months.

Another unassigned task: cleanse ground water as it filters through a tree's roots. US studies point out that for every dollar spent on upkeep of trees, people get three dollars worth of benefits.

Hereabouts where money grows on 'em trees, both legal and illegal logging can convert huge sums of trees into cold cash. It's an easy process. Forest stands are chopped dead, the precious lumber carted away — let God plant some more of 'em. But God just won't oblige. That's bad and sad.

We don't call the unabated conversion of trees into cash as a man-made calamity or sheer insanity. We may call it a joke.

We call the tragedy of Ormoc of 1991 as an "act of God."

We'll call the mass interment via mudslide at Guinsaugon village in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte as another "act of God."

God must be shaking His head in chagrin.

It was instant burial for 1,400 villagers. An entire village was turned into one mass grave.

Experts say the area's unsound soil cover, heavy rainfall and deforestation may all have contributed to the tragedy. PJI Editorial

Please plant a tree before it becomes too late . . .

Regional Meeting & Induction of Officers

BSP Central Luzon Region held a regional meeting this morning at FMA Hall, Olongapo City. Mayor Hermes Sembrano, the Regional Chairman presided over the meeting.


Scouter Roland Fronda and Max Benson recieved special award for exemplary service in scouting.


New officers of James L Gordon Council led by Council Chairman James "Bong" Gordon, Jr. were inducted by the Regional Chairman and assisted by Regional Director William Chavez

Council HQ construction

Council Board Officers Yang Elane, Edwin Piano and Ernie Asuncion discussing the details of proposed Council HQ with Engr Victor Bernabe during a planning meeting held this morning at the City Museum

12 Feb Activity Photos

The future site of James L. Gordon Council is located between the East Tapinac Sports Complex and Bacon Street.

Boy Scouts of Olongapo Wesley School had First Aid and Swimming Advancement Activity at YMCA Swimming pool last Sunday 12 Feb 2006


Operatives from Olongapo Rescue giving the boys chance to simulate various first aid skills

Having fun while learning

Intensely listening to instructions

ITS SWIMMING TIME!!! After a lecture in water safety



Bubbling skills gives young boys chance to regain strenght and rest after a vigorous swim


Correct diving skill is neccessary for safe water entry

SCE Mario Esquillo giving instruction on correct floating technique, raise your head, relax, inhale, stomach above water . . . relax . . . no sudden movement



Simulating Free or crawl style before doing the actual swim in the pool

CSE Mario Esquillo is a TOBS Awardee

CSE Mario Esquillo awarded one of the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts



And country representative to the International Youth Forum

Part 2 of 3
message from the incoming CSE

SCOUTS- Little HEROs as our inspirations, as our challenge!
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

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Looking forward for the in-coming Summer 2006, the James L. Gordon council is poised to come-up with the fresh move to establish an ELITE SCOUTING PROGRAM for the locality of Olongapo. A program which will be focus on producing a troop of local scouts who are well trained in all the aspects of scouting's brightest ideals. "Scouting is a challenge for adults- a chance to help young people." And by simply extending that help, these young people will serve as our reminders that we should always be in the light of those ideals to make this community a much better place for everyone.

By simply being a member of this group, you will give us the boost of knowing that we are not alone in our hopes to make this community and more so, this country, to be great again. JOIN US to make this little voice echo with pride!

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Fact Bits: Scouting is a worldwide youth movement which purpose is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, mental, social, intellectual and spiritual potentials as law-abiding citizens of their country and as members of their respective local, national and international communities.

• Adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting therefrom.
• Loyalty to one's country in harmony with the promotion of peace, understanding and cooperation.
• Responsibility for the development of oneself.
• Participation in the development of oneself.
• Participation in the development of society with recognition and respect for the dignity of one's fellowmen and for the integrity of the natural world.
• A method of progressive self-education comprising of programs adapted to the various age groups and based upon a promise and law, learning by doing, membership in small groups, a scheme of personal progression and activities taking place in contact with nature.

The Boy Scouts of the Philipines has been one of the biggest Youth Organization since it was introduced in the year 1914, four years after scouting was founded . It has been a part of our country's history specially during the issuance of Commonwealth Act. No. 111 by then President Manuel L. Quezon on October 31, 1936, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines was established as a public corporation tasked to, according to Section 3 of the law, "to promote through organization and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods which are in common use by Boy Scouts."

From a single troop in 1914, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines prides today as the largest Scout organization in the world, in terms of number of Scouts against the number of young people of Scouting age, with some 3++ million members nationwide.

What's ahead?

JAMES L. GORDON COUNCIL
What's ahead?
by: CSE Mario Esquillo

This is the first part of my three-part article about our own Local Council.

. . .don't worry, be happy!!!

A happy scout leader may almost always turn out to be a GOOD LEADER, you may or you may not agree with me, but certainly you will agree if I say, Happiness is what makes every volunteer scout work!

Whether we like it or not, most of us need to be inspired before starting to move-on, that is the nature of a scout. A scout leader needs to be happy in order to work, and in order to be happy, He must be INSPIRED.

In anycase, inspiration may always come in different forms. Each of us may look at one event or one place or one person as our own source of inspiration. Once inspired, Scout Leaders tend to move with glance of joy in everything that they do, and that is where the real inspiration takes place. Simply for being inspired they will then be able to attract others to feel the same. Inspiration may not be always contageous but it is good enough to send the message to motivate others to look for their own inspiration in order to live this scouting life with joy.

Given this chance, I hope to see scouts with smiles in their faces, because that is what inspires me the most, second I would also like to share my smiles to them, because that will start the process of motivation.

I am hoping to ignite happiness in the circle of the James L. Gordon Council. Happiness is very contageous, it has no PRICE TAG, rather it is PRICE LESS and I believe, this will serve as the fuel to start a new and a better chapter for the Council.

Looking ahead, lets start by not worrying too much, let the FUN begin, and everything else will follow!

note: first information contribution
Boy Scouts of the Philippines
A glimpse of our History

Take time to look back to where we started and start looking forward to where want this momevemnet to be in the near future.

Philippine Boy Scout Logo. Laging Handa (Always Prepared)The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), or Kapatirang Scout ng Pilipinas in Filipino, is the National Scout Association for boys and young men of the Philippines. Its mission is to imbue in the youth and adults the love of God, country, and fellow men; to train young people to become responsible leaders; and to contribute to nation-building.

The BSP was chartered under Philippine Commonwealth Act No. 111 on October 31, 1936. Its predecessor was the Philippine Council chartered by the Boy Scouts of America in 1923 through the work of Filipino, American, and Chinese businessmen and interest groups.


History

Scouting history of the Philippines can be traced back to the American occupation of the islands. The first documented formation of a scout troop in the islands was that of the Lorillard Spencer troop of Zamboanga formed in 1914 by a U.S. Navy Lieutenant named Sherman Kiser.

Sherman Kiser was initially assigned to escort American charity worker Caroline Spencer in Sulu. Mrs Spencer saw how Filipino boys could benefit from Scouting and discussed her ideas with Kiser. This suggestion was natural for Mrs. Spencer as her son, Lorillard Spencer was quite active in Scouting in the United States, hence the name of the troop. Kiser was reassigned however to Zamboanga, but he followed through with Mrs. Spencer's suggestion and formed a Scout troop composed of young Muslim boys. Upon learning of the formation of a new troop, Mrs. Spencer sent monetary support to purchase uniform and construct a headquarters.

More troops were organized through the years, mostly organized by American missionaries and servicemen in the island. The growing number of scouts was the reason why the Rotary Club of Manila wrote to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in New York. The letter was a request to formalize Scouting in the Philippines starting with Manila.

In 1923, the Philippine Council, BSA was formed. The new council was initially funded through the help of various civic-organizations namely: the YMCA, Knights of Columbus, Masons, Elks, Filipino and Chinese Chambers of Commerce, the U.S. Army, the Catholic and Protestant churches, and the American Legion.

1931, experimentations on Sea Scouting and Cub Scouting.

1933, the Philippine's first participation in an international Scouting event. The Philippine Council sent delegates to the 4th World Scout Jamboree in Budapest, Hungary, as part of the American contingent.

1934, Rover Scouting was introduced. BSA's Shanghai Scout district was placed under the supervision of the Philippine Council.

1936, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines was founded by virtue of Commonwealth Act 111 signed by President Manuel L. Quezon. The charter members are Joseph E. Stevenot, Jorge B. Vargas, Carlos P. Romulo, General Vicente Lim, Judge Manuel Camus, Arsenio N. Luz, and Gabriel Daza.

1953, first Wood Badge course was conducted at Camp Gre-Zar in Quezon City.

1954, 1st Philippine National Scout Jamboree held in Rolling Hills, Balara, Quezon City.

1959, 10th World Scout Jamboree held in Mount Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna. First world scout jamboree held in Asia.

1963, the 24-member delegation of the BSP to the 11th World Scout Jamboree in Marathon, Greece, perished in a plane crash off the coast of Bombay, India.

1993, the Philippines hosted the 1st ASEAN Scout Jamboree

1997, the 2nd World Scout Parliamentary Union held in Manila.


Ranks, program and ideals
Scouts must earn the Membership Badge prescribed for the program they belong prior to working on the ranks.

Ranks of KAB Scouting:

Young Usa (or Young Deer)
Growing Usa
Leaping Usa

Ranks of Boy Scouting:
Tenderfoot
Second Class
First Class
Outdoorsman or Airman or Seaman
Venturer or Air Venture or Sea Venture
Eagle

Ranks of Senior Scouting:
Explorer
Pathfinder
Outdoorsman or Airman or Seaman
Venturer or Air Venture or Sea Venture
Eagle

The BSP offers the following programs:
KID Scouting (Kabataang Imumulat-Diwa or Children to be Introduced to Virtues) is for boys 5 to 6 years of age.

KAB Scouting (Kabataang Alay sa Bayan or Children Offered to the Nation) is for boys 7 to 10 years of age.

Boy Scouting is for boys 10 to 17 years of age.

Senior Scouting is for boys 13 to 17 years of age.

Rover Scouting is for young men and women 17 to 23 years of age with a Rover Peers division for adults ages 24 and up.

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/boy-scouts-of-the-philippines

Message from in-coming CSE

An open Message to all the Boy Scouts of James L. Gordon Council.
from CSE Mario Esquillo, Eagle Scout, TOBS94

Days from now, as we enter the new page of this council's scouting years, I am hopeful that we will be coming-up with yet another challenging year and yet another Horizon to hang our aspirations, as the in-coming Council Scouts Executive, I am in high-hopes that as soon as the plans are settled, This council will be active not only in YOUTH scouting but more so, in COMMUNITY SCOUTING, more activities, more projects and more ways to increase SCOUTING AWARENES!!!

Let us join hand to start a new revolution in the local scouting community!!! Let James L. Gordon Council shine and establish its own place in the National and International Scouting Community.Happy Scouting to all!!!