Sillimanian named among 2025 Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Eagle Scout Dale Andrew D. Dy, a true red Sillimanian and first-year BS Electrical Engineering student, was recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines (TOBS) 2025, marking a historic achievement for the Negros Oriental–Siquijor Council and the Silliman University Scouting Movement.
Dy advanced through the rigorous multi-stage selection process that began with the Regional Search on August 28, 2025 at the Human Resource Development Office, Schools Division Office in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras, and culminated in the National Search held from October 26 to 30, 2025 at the BSP National Office in Ermita, Manila.
The national awarding ceremony took place at the Metropolitan Theater, also in Ermita.
Since its establishment in 1989 by former Education Secretary and BSP National President Dr. Isidro D. Cariño, TOBS has served as the premier platform for recognizing Senior Scouts who exemplify leadership, excellence, and integrity.
The 2025 Search continued this legacy, with coordinated participation from Local Councils nationwide, 11 Regional Coordination Offices, and the BSP National Office.
This year’s Search involved a four-phase process: a national call for nominations, Local Council validation, Regional Search activities—including interviews, evaluations, and leadership assessments—and the National Search, which featured skill tests in safety, first aid, firemanship, lifesaving, and emergency preparedness, as well as panel interviews and extensive evaluations of accomplishments and character.
Eagle Scout Dale Andrew D. Dy poses with key BSP officials (left to right), Atty. Jose Rizalino Ortego, Chief National Commissioner; Atty. Emilio Aquino, BSP National President; and Queen Marie Ferraren, Negros Oriental – Siquijor Council Scout Executive, at the Metropolitan Theater in Ermita.
A total of 26 regional finalists drawn from a nationwide pool of over three million registered Scouts qualified for the national phase.
The TOBS program aims to honor Senior Scouts who not only excel academically and individually but also translate Scouting values into meaningful community service and contributions to nation-building. The National Executive Board affirmed that the Search continues to reinforce BSP’s mission of developing service-driven youth leaders.
Reflecting on the experience, Dy shared that the journey was both “meaningful and transformative,” noting how each stage pushed him to reflect on his values and purpose in service.
“I felt honored to stand alongside Scouts who were equally dedicated. The interviews challenged me to articulate who I am as a leader, while the skill evaluations reminded me why preparedness and discipline matter,” Dy explained in an email correspondence.
He added that being recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts was an honor not just for himself but for his council and the Silliman University Scouting Movement.
“It is my greatest honor and privilege to be the first scout to represent the Negros Oriental–Siquijor Council and be recognized as one of the Ten for this year’s search. My performance is a testament to the quality scouting of Silliman University and our council,” he added.
The Scouting Movement at Silliman University traces its beginnings to 1921, when the Silliman Institute Church took the lead in organizing one of the earliest Scout groups in the country. Recognizing the potential of Scouting to build character and leadership among young people, the Church guided the fledgling movement as it sought formal recognition. In 1922, the Institute applied for official registration through the New York Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and by 1923, the docu
