P7-M restoration project for historic BSP building unveiled

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. recently unveiled the P7-million restoration project of the old Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) building at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Complex, set to commence in January next year.

“Starting January, we will restore the old Boy Scout building in the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Complex. Right now, it’s an old, dilapidated building. Old but beautiful. We will consider it as the heritage building not only of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines but of the whole country. We will restore it to its former beauty and former glory,” Defensor said during the opening of the 18th National Scout Jamboree on December 11 at Camp Pintados de Passi, Barangay Sablogon, Passi City, Iloilo.

Expressing gratitude to the BSP for choosing Iloilo as the event’s venue, Defensor underscored the crucial role of the BSP in community service, outreach, and nation-building, emphasizing their partnership in laying down foundational values for nation-building.

“You [pertaining to the BSP] have been our true partners in laying down the foundation values for nation building,” he said.

Envisioning the restored building to serve a dual purpose, Governor Defensor emphasized that it could function as both office space and a museum of memories and history of the BSP, preserving the rich legacy of scouting for future generations.

Defensor reassured that the initial budget of P7 million is just the starting point and expressed readiness to allocate more funds if necessary, reaffirming the province’s commitment to supporting the BSP and nurturing the character and ideals of the youth.