Four Sillimanians attain Eagle Scout rank
Silliman University (SU) students Dale Andrew D. Dy (Senior High School), Kish Samuel A. de Jesus (Senior High School), Vince Lewell P. Herrera (BS Civil Engineering), and Milnee Ronan D. Larena (BS Psychology) have earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the World Boy Scouts Program. Their scouting journey began with Outfit 017-01 of the SU Junior High School.
Since the rank’s establishment in 1911, only about four percent of Scouts worldwide have achieved this distinction, following a rigorous process that tests leadership, service, and personal growth. According to the Boy Scouts of America, the path to Eagle Scout involves progressing through lower ranks, serving at least six months in a leadership role as a Life Scout, and earning a minimum of 23 merit badges, including required ones in First Aid, Citizenship, and Environmental Science or Sustainability. A key requirement is the Eagle Scout service project, which the scout must plan and lead to benefit a community, school, or religious organization. Candidates must then submit a comprehensive application and successfully pass a final Board of Review. All requirements must be fulfilled before turning 18.
These four Sillimanians now join a select group of Scouts worldwide who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and achievement through the Eagle Scout rank.
Scouting at Silliman
Scouting at Silliman began in 1922, when the program was launched under the auspices of the Silliman Church. That same year, Dr. Paul Doltz organized Boy Scout Troop 8 under the New York Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)—the first officially recognized Boy Scout troop in the Visayas. Silliman received its formal registration from the BSA National Headquarters in New York in January 1923, several months ahead of the creation of the Boy Scouts of America Philippine Islands Council No. 545.
The first Sillimanian to attain the BSA’s highest rank was Bill Raymond, a native of Iowa and early graduate of Silliman’s Chemistry program, who dedicated his life to the Philippines. He led the trail for a distinguished group of early Eagle Scouts: Carlos Bill Raymund (1922), Vicente Layumas (1928), Romeo Atienza (1929), Eugenio Antonio Jr. (1930), and Benjamin N. Villoria (1931). Following World War II, a new wave of Sillimanian Eagle Scouts emerged: Jose Jacinto III (1947), Jose Velasco (1948), Cornelio Veruasa Jr. (1949), Fred Solis (1953), and Carlos L. Madrazo Jr. (1954).
In the 1970s, a policy shift within the national scouting organization renamed the Eagle Scout rank as Rizal Scout. Under this title, Emmanuel Abellanosa (now a member of SU Board of Trustees) and J. Gervacio earned the distinction in 1970.
A subsequent return to the Eagle Scout title marked a new chapter, though Silliman experienced a 45-year hiatus in Eagle Scout advancements. That long drought ended in recent years with a renewed surge of achievements. The following Sillimanians successfully attained the Eagle Scout rank: Ray Gabriel L. Chua (2017), Kristoffer David G. Dy (2020), Dan Claude A. Bonifacio (2021), Mark Vincent J. Enojo (2021), Val Cedric D. Erames (2021), Joseph Mari R. Mendoza (2021), Steven Lee P. Nuique (2021), Clark Chandler Justin S. Oaminal (2021), and Andrew Ian A. Uy (2021).
Silliman University remains an active participant in the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP). Since the launch of the Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme—the highest award in the GSP program—five Sillimanians have earned this prestigious distinction: Maria Kaye Hathaway (2021), Elle Mikaela Macias (2021), Valerie Ivy Valente (2022), Rosejeliza Bolongaita (2022), and Fea Jammeah Dini-ay (2023).
Scouting at Silliman continues to thrive under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Alphita Enojo, University Scouting Coordinator; Mr. Marlon Sumanoy, adviser of Outfit 017-01, Silliman Scouting Movement at SU Junior High School; Mr. Ronald Parpa, adviser for the SU Senior High School Outfit; and GSP Troop Leaders Ms. Darlene Banglos (SUJHS), Ms. Aloha Marie Albina (SUSHS), and Asst. Prof. Elaine Adarna (College Cadets).
