To: Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Division/ City Superintendents
Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

1. The Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP), now on its 66th year of public service, is an effective program in the leadership and value formation of every child. The main objective of this Nonformal Education Program of the GSP is consistent with the Department’s mission to enhance, support and develop girls and young women into well-rounded individuals with exemplary character. The GSP have, so far, produced leaders who are true to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
2. With its impressive track record on youth development, the DepED recognizes GSP as a partner in the holistic development of each girl and young women into responsible and responsive citizens of the country. As a co-curricular program, the activities of the GSP help stem away vices and bad influences of drugs and peers.
   The DepED also believes in the mission, tenets and ideals of the GSP, thus the Department has always been supportive of all its programs and projects.
3. In view thereof, the DepED hereby reiterates its support to the revitalization of the Girl Scouting Movement in the elementary and secondary schools nationwide in various areas of possible partnership and cooperation and as such issue the following guidelines:
   1. Promotion of Membership to the Girl Scouts of the PhilippinesAll public and private elementary and secondary schools are encouraged to promote membership to the GSP among ail pupils and students, including parents and teachers, at the start of the school year. All girl-pupils and students should be encouraged to become a Girl Scout.
   2. Collection of Membership Fees and Other Voluntary ContributionsPursuant to the Constitutional mandate for free public basic education as well as existing laws, students in public elementary and secondary schools shall be enrolled without having to pay any amount as a requirement for enrollment.Payment of the membership fee to the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in the amount of PhP40.00 may be collected anytime including the enrollment period provided that a student has already enrolled. Moreover, payment of this fee is voluntary and shall not be made a requirement for admission/enrollment, release of report cards, transfer of clearance of pupils and students to other schools.Membership fees of the girl scouts shall be collected by GSP Troop Leaders (who also happens to be teachers) who shall immediately remit the same in full to the GSP through its local Councils duly chartered by the GSP National Office. No quota in membership shall be required.Likewise, the collection of Sustaining Membership Fee (SMF) in the amount of PhP 10.00 to support the program and administrative functions of the GSP Councils from each girl-pupil/student on a purely voluntary basis is also encouraged.
   3. Strengthening Quality GSP ProgramDepED officials are urged to contribute in the development and implementation of quality programs of the GSP.Likewise, in order to carry out the programs of the GSP, Troop Leaders and other adult leaders are encouraged to attend trainings offered by the GSP for the updating of skills and knowledge on Girl Scouting.
   4. Participation of DepED Officials and Schoolchildren in the Activities of the GSPAll DepED officials and schoolchildren are encouraged to participate in the activities of the GSP such as encampment/camps, meetings competitions, trainings and conferences in the school, division, council, regional, national and international levels, subject to existing DepED policies, rules and regulations.
   5. Institutional SupportAll DepED officials are encouraged to support the organization of the GSP by being active members and officers thereof. Wearing of GSP uniform by DepED officials and other personnel, including students, is encouraged for visibility and image-building.
   6. Service Credits, Other Credits for Awards Received and Trainings Attended and Other Incentives.DECS Memorandum No. 143, s. 1997 on service credits, DECS Order No. 30, s. 1999 on the revised rules on the exemption of girls from CAT and DECS Order No. 14, s. 1990 on the granting of credits/weight points to GSP achievements and awards are hereby reiterated.
4. The Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (CSCA) is hereby designated as officer-in-charge of all Scouting matters in the DepED.The GSP and DepED Regional and Division Offices shall submit required reports to the Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (CSCA).
5. In the field offices, the Regional Directors, School Division Superintendents and School Principals shall designate their respective Education Supervisors and Department Heads/Teachers as G.SP Coordinators with their respective counterparts in the GSP to monitor the implementation of the GSP programs and ensure its benefits to all schoolchildren interested in the Girl Scouting Movement.
6. All RDs, SDS and School Principals are authorized to formulate directives in accordance with his Order the revitalization of the Girl Scouting Movement in the public elementary and secondary schools nationwide.
7. All other issuances not inconsistent with this Order shall remain effective.
8. Wide dissemination of and compliance with this Order is directed.

Reference: DepED Order: Nos. 68, s. 2003; 30, s. 1999; 14, s. 1990 and DepED Memorandum: No. 143, s. 1997
Allotment: 1—(D.O. 50-97)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
CONTRIBUTIONS
FEES
SCHOOLS
SCOUTING
POLICY

DO_s2007_033