Girl Scouts: Today’s Girls, Tomorrow’s Leaders

“WeWe areare notGirljustScouts!

girls,
“
Girls from different schools-public and private, elementary
and secondary, were those who joined the 2016 GSP Week
Celebration held last September 23, 2016 at Jimmy L. Fernandez,
STADIA, Dagupan City.

Everyone was excited to showcase their talents. And at

the program, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez was present to give a
speech about the importance and responsibilities of girls and
women in our society, as a leader today and in the future. Mayor
Fernandez gave the girl scouts an inspiration to be a
good example and a role model to the youth.

The said event became a way to let

the girls share their talents in the contest.
The stadium was filled with ceaseless
claps and cheers as the different districts for
the elementary, and different schools
in secondary showed-off through singing
and dancing.

All of the girl scouts gave everything

Pradez: How far
that they could to win the contest. And
I’ll Go
after the performances, everyone was
happy because of the experience that 2016 Citywide
they had that can be a wonderful Encampment
memory in their lives.
First ever GS Night
 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF GSP DAGUPAN COUNCIL
VOLUME NO. 1 ISSUE NO. 1

The stage blurs into a flurry of green figures lithely moving about. The projector
screen switches smoothly to that of a familiar face and uncertainly I rise up my chair
wondering whether I got the cue right this time. I need not doubt for soon enough my
name blasts through the speakers. Lights, cameras surround my every move but I am
neither a superstar nor a celebrity, I am a million light years away from being one,
rather I am just an ordinary girl with an extraordinary vision ---- to change the world, one
youth at a time.
The rites of awarding begin almost immediately as soon as my foot taps the
wood paneled stage and gone were my anxious thoughts of how this event may end
horribly for I never trip nor does my stare waver. The frame holding my certificate and the
bust of Josefa Llanes Escoda was handed to me. Then right there, everything became
perfect. A singular glowing orb of joy was sculpted in my mind of a moment so heavily
defined – all the details were coalescing to fit into that perfect moment allotted by the
universe for me. Two months, as of writing this, may have passed but when I go back on
it, it still strikes an exuberant song in my heart.

To cut the chase off, what I am describing is none other than the Awarding for Outstanding Girl Scouts, Outstanding Troop Leaders and Outstanding District Field
Adviser for Year 2016 at the Girl Scouts of the Philippines National Headquarters in Padre Faura, Manila.

The road to the OGS were nights that were spent accomplishing the proper forms and filing all my certificates in a folder alongside with visits to our council office.
Though there were times that I could no longer find the courage to pursue this award, my family, our Titas most specially Tita Lerma and my fellow Girl Scouts kept pushing me
on. And their efforts were never wasted, not one single bit. When I reflect at times on why the award meant so much to me before and up until now is simply because the award
embodies who I’ve become from my genesis as a member towards my transformation into a bona fide girl leader. In addition, the award represents my hopes and aspirations
as a girl – to commit to a service – oriented ideal towards my fellow humans without hesitation not just as an individual but as part of #TeamGirl.

The Girl Scouts of the Philippines taught me to believe in the higher ideals for women in society -- that women have a right to speak and be empowered by members
of the community. The organization had molded me to become a girl of holistic value; it has nurtured me to become someone who is capable of adapting to the challenges of
the times. In my quest of self – enquiry and thus self – discovery, I have evolved to be someone who accepts me for me.

Through Girl Scouting, I learned that wisdom is a girl’s best friend, though she may have outlined her strengths, her weaknes ses may also be her best assets and
change is a constant part of my life --- an undisputable force governing growth that is hand in hand with joy and that of pain. I have inspired girls in a simple yet impacting way
and it is more than I could ever do in my lifetime. Thank you Girl Scouts of the Philippines for offering me the chance to become a light to girls around the world, to interact with
wonderful women who share the same dreams as I have and most importantly to be part of the sisterhood of the girls in green.

If you had told me when I was a kid that I’d end up on the school stage with a shiny medal, that I would be named as an Outst anding Girl Scout of the Philippines,
that I would soon travel to a foreign country or commit myself to a global advocacy, I probably wouldn’t believe it. Life can be so unexpected and startling that sometimes not
knowing the future is a gift. But there are some things that I do know. I know that I can become anything I set my mind to like
being a geologist or a foreign diplomat. I know there’s honor in working hard to do something worthwhile – no matter how
improbable the goal. I know that sometimes I lose and frequently I win. Back then I learned that winning balance doesn’t
always mean winning the medal; it means keeping the important things in life balanced. Perhaps the greatest lessons I’ve
learned so far are these: Everything happens for a reason and God can be trusted to work all things together for good. I don’t
know what lies ahead of me but I am convinced that I am on the right road. My hope is that something I’ve learned will help
others too, even if they can’t see what’s coming or if life’s pathway has gotten a bit bumpy. May we all enjoy the adventure
that comes when we walk together – by faith. And even though this is the last paragraph of this article, I am really looking
forward to the next chapter of my life. Honestly, I can’t wait to see how my story unfolds.

900 Girl Scouts from 40 different schools in Dagupan City gathered together at Lingayen
Beachfront, Pangasinan for the Citywide Encampment last November 24-27, 2016 with the theme,
"Girl Scouts: Today's Girls, Tomorrow's Leaders".

Junior and Senior Girl Scouts actively participated in different activities. The next day, the
awarding of Ms. Girl Scout—where all
gorgeous candidate with their beautiful
gowns proudly representing their
schools accepted their certificates
with the Girl Scout coin bank.

The 2016 Citywide

Encampment was truly wonderful and
ended successfully despite of the rain.
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF GSP DAGUPAN COUNCIL
VOLUME NO. 1 ISSUE NO. 1

Dagupan Council’s Pride

The Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme recognizes the Girl Scout role in nation building as exemplified by the Chief Girl Scout and her
distinguished leadership and vital contribution to nation building.

November 4, 2016 was a remarkable day for all the Senior and Cadet Girl Scouts who meet the criteria for outstanding service to their
community. The 40th Chief Girl Scout Medal Presentation Ceremony was held at Plenary Hall, Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex, Pasay
City. The Chief Girl Scout Medal Presentation Ceremony was composed of 758 Chief Girl Scout Medal awardees from 79 councils all over the Philippines, and 10
of those awardees were from Dagupan City council wherein it is the first time that the council produced 10 committed, dedicat ed, and very passionate Girl Scout
who made a vital contribution to their chosen barangay. The 10 Senior and Cadet Girl Scouts are as follows:
Bacani, Kristen Claire Z. Cacapit, Fritzie Joyce D.
Troop No: Sr. 312 Troop no: Sr. 88
Council: Dagupan City Council: Dagupan City
Project: Livelihood Project: Health
Troop Leader: Imelda Z. Bacani Troop Leader: Liezelle M. Duque
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Juanito Bacani, Jr. Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Fernando B. Cacapit

Ferrer, Julianne E. Ferrer, Phoebe Christia P.

Troop No.: Sr. 22 Troop No.: Sr. 17
Council: Dagupan City Council: Dagupan City
Project: Health Project: Health
Troop Leader: Teresita C. Emeralda Troop Leader: Andora A. Villanueva
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Jesus G. Ferrer Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Fermin R. Ferrer, Jr.

Manipon, Dimple B. Mayrina, Giezel P.

Troop No.: Sr. 260 Troop No.: Sr. 46

Council: Dagupan City
Council: Dagupan City
Project: Health
Project: Health Troop Leader: Zenaida D. Bautista
Troop Leader: Lea De Guzman Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Mayrina

Ragutana, Bea Nicole P. Sanchez, Melanie F.

Troop No.: Sr. 28 Troop No.: Sr. 93
Council: Dagupan City Council: Dagupan City
Project: Health Project: Ecology
Troop Leader: Jemmar Espinosa Troop Leader: Araceli R. Nimer
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Leoplodo C. Ragutana, Jr. Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Larry S. Sanchez

Sarmiento, Janelle Isabel D. Taminaya, Fria Joyce F.

Troop No.: Sr. 17 Troop No.: Sr. 66
Council: Dagupan City Council: Dagupan City
Project: Ecology Project: Livelihood
Troop Leader: Andora A. Villanueva Troop Leader: Imelda E. Dela Rosa
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Sarmiento Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Roel Taminaya

It’s the time of the year again where we should award our promising 404 Troop Leaders

2017 at the Rizal Shrine, Dagupan City. This is to acknowledge their love and passion to GSP.

We acknowledged all our dear Troop Leaders for their selfless service to the Girl

Service Awards
Scouting movement and for being the second mothers of all our young girls. Dr. Abegail

Osorio- Physician and former Girl Scout- is the guest of honor and speaker.

Kudos to all Troop Leaders of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

 GSP
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines Dagupan Council's conduct of 1st GSP
Night rolled on the theme, "Girl Scouts Noon at Ngayon: An Evening of Green and
Glamour", held at the Dagupan City Plaza on December 21, 2016, was truly a
success.

The hilarious evening commenced with a short program. The highlights of

the said event are live band, Search of Star of the Night, and Raffle Draw. This
prestigious evening made all of the Girl Scouts have 'laughed heart out' and enjoy
every moment together with Councilor Atty. Joey Tamayo as the guest of this night.
The said celebration aims to reminisce the past, relive the fun and excitement and return to Girl Scouting. The event were carried out
smoothly through the coordination of Mrs. Zenaida Sinlao, Council President and Ms. Lerma P. Nicomedez, Council Executive.

The Brand Strengthening & Communications Forum was

GSP successfully conducted at Ating Tahanan National Program &

Training Center, Baguio City on March 3-5, 2017. Participants
from GSP Dagupan Council were Ms. Lerma P. Nicomedez,
Council Executive and Cadet Girl Scout Irish Stephanie B.
Caoile. This aims to strengthen communication efforts throughout
the Philippines, improve the image and visibility of Girl Scouting
and produce more different kinds of publications.

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF GSP DAGUPAN COUNCIL

Irish Stephanie B. Caoile Francie Beatriz DG. Pradez

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Fria Joyce F. Taminaya Phoebe Christia P. Ferrer

Fritzie Joyce D. Cacapit Dimple B. Manipon
Melanie F. Sanchez Giezel P. Mayrina
Kristen Claire Z. Bacani Bea Nicole P. Ragutana
Julianne E. Ferrer Janelle Isabel D. Sarmiento

CONSULTANT
Ms. Lerma P. Nicomedez