TAGUIG CITY – It has been almost a year after COVID-19 protocols were implemented in the whole Philippines and we still do not see the normal Scouting activities going back any time soon. This does not mean that we should lay back, watch Netflix, and wait for everything to go back to normal.

This is exactly what the Council’s Key Three Officials thought when they came up with conducting the first activity of 2021 – the 1st TCAC Scout-at-Home Family Day Camp – last February 25-26, 2021.

City Mayor and Council Chairperson Hon. Lino Edgardo S. Cayetano, Department of Education – Taguig-Pateros Schools Division Superintendent and Council Scouting Commissioner Dr. Margarito B. Materum, and City Councilor and OIC of the Office of Council Scout Executive Hon. Jaime R. Labampa, WBH called the attention of the council executives, commissioners, and staff to formulate the biggest council event yet while ensuring the safety of Scouts and Scout Leaders.

According to CSE Labampa, not less than 9,000 Scout Leaders and Scouts together with their family members participated in the two-day virtual camping activity. He cannot hide his happiness when asked if he thinks that the activity was a success.

“There’s a lot of hindrances in conducting this type of activities. There is the slow internet connection, the low budget for internet, and the absence of video conferencing capable gadgets. I am so happy because, despite these, we were able to conduct the activity with the support of the families of each member of our movement. I am also grateful for the never-ending backing of our City Mayor and Council Chairperson, Mayor Lino Cayetano.” Labampa said proudly in a post-activity interview with me.

In the face of the pandemic, unending relief operations, procurement of vaccinations for COVID-19, and medical expense to treat the patients, the good office of City Mayor Lino Edgardo S. Cayetano did not hesitate to support the activity.  

“It is not a secret that the local government unit of Taguig City spends a lot when it comes to COVID-19 response, but it will be unfair to my constituents especially the youth to deprive them of their right to learn new things and have fun. As the father of this city, and this council, I have every responsibility to give our Scouts things they deserve.” This is how Cayetano expressed his support of the Scouting movement in the City.

“I assure each and every one of our Scouts, Scout Leaders, and council executives and staffs, this is not the last. We will conduct more activities and the pandemic won’t stop us from making a big leap forward to advance the city and movement’s program for the youth and the community,” he added as he promises that we should expect more Scouting activities as we keep our Scouting community safe.

To date, the 1st TCAC Scout-At-Home Family Day Camp is the largest council-wide activity – virtual and face-to-face - with the biggest number of participants from public schools alone.