National Eagle Scouts Association of the Philippines

National Eagle Scouts Association of the Philippines
Type	Association
Affiliations	Eagle Scouts

The National Eagle Scouts Association of the Philippines otherwise known as the “NESAPh” is the Premiere Honor Society of Eagle Scouts in the Philippines.^[1] It is a voluntary, non-political, non-sectarian and non-profit association of Eagle Scouts supporting the causes of Scouting and the thrusts of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines by the ideals, purpose and principles, and methods conceived by the Founder of Scouting.

History^[2]

NESAPh First Acceptance Rites in Bulacan, February 24, 2018

Motivated by the necessity to establish a unifying service organization for like-minded Eagle Scouts in Bulacan, Bro. Paolo R. Cruz sought the assistance and guidance of Bro. Karl Lyel B. Lim in organizing ceremonies for a new Brotherhood of Eagle Scouts. The inaugural ceremony, inspired by various organizations' ideals, practices, and traditions, took place in Calumpit, Bulacan, on 24 February 2018, resulting in the formation of the initial batch of thirty-four members.

Four days later, Bro. Paolo Cruz proposed the name "National Eagle Scouts Association of the Philippines" or NESAPh, designating it as the Premiere Honor Society of Eagle Scouts in the country.

From March 14-29, 2018, Bro. Lyel and Bro. Paolo collaborated on a new guide and script for admitting new members, eventually named the NESAPh Acceptance Rites. On March 22, 2018, Bro. Lyel finalized NESAPh's logo.

NESAPh Second Acceptance Rites in Rizal, November 24, 2019

Building on the success of these events, Bro. Lyel identified the need for a similar group in his hometown. During the Association of Top Achiever Scouts Gathering on 18 October 2019, plans for the second ceremony were finalized, scheduled for San Mateo, Rizal, on 24 November 2019. NESAPh aimed to consolidate Eagle Scouts nationwide under its banner. Meanwhile, Bro. Jacobb Josephson Caones organized a Gathering of Eagle Scouts in Quezon City on 10 February 2019, but realizing the futility of working with existing Eagle groups, efforts were redirected to the new and dynamic NESAPh group. Notably, Bro. Jacobb generously donated 1 million pesos as a startup fund for the association, contributing to NESAPh's continued success.

NESAPh Third Acceptance Rites in Manila

The third ritual, held in Intramuros, marked the first time NESAPh accepted female Eagle Scouts. Subsequent ceremonies took place in Manila, Tacloban City, Camarines Sur, Bacolod City, Cabanatuan City, and Cagayan de Oro, affirming NESAPh's status as a National Association.

Following successful travels and membership growth, NESAPh held its 1st General Assembly and Conclave on 28 February – 1 March 2020 in Bulacan. This event ratified the Association's Constitution and By-Laws, elected new National Officers, and welcomed members from across the Philippine archipelago.

The onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic caught the new National Executive Committee off-guard. Nevertheless, NESAPh continued its mission through community service projects, webinars, and virtual acceptance rites, leading to the establishment of NESAPh International Chapter.

As lockdowns eased, NESAPh conducted Acceptance Rites in Davao, Butuan, Cebu, Cabanatuan, Mandaluyong, and the Province of Laguna, further solidifying its impact.

In a triumphant membership campaign, NESAPh held its 2nd General Assembly and Conclave on 2-4 December 2022 in the Camelot Hotel, Quezon City. With Bro. Mark Roy L. Boado as the new National President, the "Second Age" commenced, focusing on membership engagement, financial stability, outreach expansion, sustainable programs, and collaborative partnerships.

National Executive Committee (2023-2025)^[2]

^* Appointee of the National President as mandated by NESAPh's Constitution and Bylaws.

Support from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines

The paramount success of NESAPh was achieved because of the continued support being given by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, viz:

1. BSP and NESAPh Memorandum of Agreement Signing (National Executive Board Room, BSP National Headquarters | 4 October 2019)^[2]
2. BSP informing all concerned about BSP and NESAPh’s partnership (BSP National Office Memo No. 05, s. 2020 | 27 January 2020)^[3]
3. BSP endorsing NESAPh’s 1st General Assembly and Conclave, and highly encouraging the participation of Eagle Scouts from different Local Councils (BSP National Office Memo No. 06, s. 2020 | 27 January 2020)^[4]

Membership process^[5]

NESAPh is an association of Eagle Scouts who welcomes those who wishes to continue their service and commitment to Scouting. All former Senior Scouts who earned the Eagle Scout rank and its equivalent (Jose Rizal Scout and the Scout Citizen Awardee) shall require showing proof of achievement prior to invitation and nomination for membership.

The Association is open to all registered members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines who have successfully earned the highest rank in Senior Scouting which is the Eagle Scout rank.

The Association ensures and see to it that candidates and nominees for membership shall subscribe to the Fundamental Principles of Scouting based on his/her own free will, as well as the acceptance of Scouting's declaration of its Religious Policy governing membership.

The Association shall only accept members based on invitation and/or nomination of bona fide members in good standing and shall be subjected to deliberation for recommendation of the Membership Committee and approval of the National Officers.  

All interested Eagle Scouts who have been invited and or nominated for membership shall be subjected to membership verification as to the authenticity of his/her qualification as official and legitimate Eagle Scout awardee or its equivalent rank.

The process of membership by nomination aims to measure commitment to actively participate in our activities. NESAPh doesn't want huge number of members with very few active members. While Scouting, remains to be open for all, and primarily based on free will and volunteerism, NESAPh adheres to carefully select Eagle Scouts who wish to take active involvement in Leadership and Service, thus, requires expressed commitment, and careful selection thru nomination.

NESAPh Chapters^[6]

NESAPh 2025^[9]

Eagle Scouts can expect worthwhile activities and events from NESAPh anchored with BSP's programme thrusts and flagship activities, viz:

1. Enhancing membership engagement and retention: The association will focus on implementing initiatives to increase member engagement and satisfaction, fostering a strong sense of community among Eagle Scouts. By nurturing relationships and offering valuable resources and opportunities, the association aims to retain existing members and attract new ones.
2. Strengthening financial stability: To ensure the long-term sustainability of the association, efforts will be made to enhance financial stability through strategic fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and partnerships. By diversifying income streams and improving financial management, the association can secure the necessary resources to support its programs and operations.
3. Expanding outreach and impact: The association will prioritize expanding its outreach efforts to reach more Eagle Scouts across the Philippines. Through targeted marketing and communication strategies, the association aims to raise awareness of its mission, values, and benefits. By increasing its impact and reaching a wider audience, the association can contribute to the personal and professional development of more Eagle Scouts.
4. Developing sustainable programs and initiatives: The association will focus on developing sustainable programs and initiatives that align with its mission and cater to the evolving needs of Eagle Scouts. By continuously evaluating and improving its offerings, the association can provide valuable experiences, resources, and support that contribute to the growth and success of its members.
5. Strengthening partnerships and collaborations: The association will actively seek partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organizations, both within and outside the scouting community. By joining forces with other entities sharing similar goals, the association can leverage collective resources, expertise, and networks to create a greater impact and ensure its long-term sustainability.

All these activities and events of NESAPh is in accordance with the responsibilities stated on the Memorandum of Agreement signed with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. This proves that NESAPh Members are fully committed and responsible to its Oath.

References