Peace and Development through Scouting

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred,

let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is
sadness, joy. This is the fervent cry of St. Francis de Assisi and everyone
who has the passion to serve humanity and be an agent of peace and
prosperity.
Distinguished guests, honourable members of the board of judges,
friends, schoolmates teachers, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning!
I was once asked, what is the worst enemy were facing today? I
candidly answered; it is the lack of concern for the welfare of others that
jeopardizes world peace and stability. We have witnessed through history
that apathy leads to horrendous disasters in the world terrorism, human
exploitation, avarice, war and insurgency problems. This malady can be
solved and prevented if the world will be awakened from lethargy. Wake up,
Ladies and Gentlemen! Now, is the time to be awakened from your deep
sleep! Lets go back to our senses and be part in nation building. Let us
create a world of peace and prosperity!
Standing here before you is a pure blooded Filipino who takes heed to
the call for Peace. We are called to be peacemakers Gods messengers of
peace. You show to the rest of the world that we, the youth of the Fatherland
are the hope for the worlds need for lasting peace. Daisaku Ikeda said,
Peace is the starting point for the advancement of humankind. Peace,
therefore, is the greatest weapon for development! Today, ladies and
gentlemen, I urge you to make a difference in your life. Make a pact with
yourself now not to be imprisoned in the dungeon of egocentrism. Unleash
the eternal peace that comes from within and let it shine for others through
scouting.
Scouting, since its inception, has the goal and mission of promoting
peace among the rising generation which is a potent force for national
progress. Through scouting, we embark a new journey that will forever be
etched in the hearts of many. Its programs and activities give the younger
generation an avenue to be trained and informed on how to resolve conflict
arising from differences of opinions or principles through non-violent means
and live amicably with each other. It cultivates respect for differences,
gender sensitivity, camaraderie, and promotes equality and sharing
responsibility among the participants. By being involved in the activity, the
youths are given ample real life experience on mature responsibilities and
help them develop an unconditional positive regard towards each other. As
the wise Dalai Lama XIV counselled us, Peace does not mean an absence of
conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these
differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education,
knowledge; and through humane ways. And here we are participating in this

great endeavour. With firm conviction, I believe scouting is the best training
ground for peace and development!
Do you want to partake in nation building? Come! Let us step forward
and fulfil the divine mandate! Let us be one of Gods messengers whose feet
are bringing glad tidings to the ends of the earth and publishes peace to the
whole world. Hand in hand, lets make the world, an abode of the spirit of
peace and freedom. To God be the Glory!