By Maybelle Jabian and Mariela Angella Oladive
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Iloilo Council kicked off its 75th anniversary celebration with the Council Diamond Jubilee Camp from Feb. 18 to 23 at Camp Pasica, Dingle, Iloilo.
The camp is expected to gather around 2,600 participants from Grade 4 to college throughout the weeklong event.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the Diamond Jubilee Queen, a fundraising initiative aimed at improving camp facilities and expanding future scouting opportunities.
Merrily Jane Pedroso, GSP Iloilo Council Program Commissioner, emphasized that the event is more than a pageant but a “queen for a cause,” with all proceeds dedicated to enhancing the camp and providing better learning experiences for scouts.
“Once our camp is improved, we will be able to cater to more young Girl Scouts and ensure their safety. We are also dreaming of going beyond the usual, like hosting a national camp or even an international one,” she said.
The Diamond Jubilee Queen candidates, representing districts across Iloilo and Guimaras, were introduced during a media briefing on Feb. 15, where they shared their scouting experiences and advocacies.
The candidates are:
Junior Girl Scout Khaefer Lucille Gavasan (Guimbal, 1st District)
Junior GS Daffodil Ella Flocia D. Gellang (Leganes, 2nd District)
Senior GS Kyrene Felice P. Porras (Badiangan, 3rd District)
Junior GS Ma. Erika Jeniella B. Mendoza (San Enrique, 4th District)
Junior GS Chenil Nicole Amburgo (Estancia, 5th District)
Senior GS Ma. Thea Therese S. De Villaluna (Jaro National High School, Iloilo City)
Junior GS Cleah Gambito (Sibunag, Guimaras)
Council Executive Claire Escuadra Laru-an underscored the importance of scouting in shaping young girls into responsible citizens and future leaders.
She said the camp offers girls opportunities to enhance their talents, learn survival skills, and build lasting friendships.
Laru-an added that scouting is more than just camping, as it fosters discipline, independence, and essential life skills.
“Our goal is to help girls and young women embrace the ideals of womanhood and prepare for their responsibilities in the home, the nation, and the world community. The camp’s activities are carefully designed to help them achieve that vision,” she told Daily Guardian on Feb. 18.
She also urged parents to support their daughters’ full participation in the camp, emphasizing that these experiences instill valuable life lessons and contribute to their personal growth.
