The Boy Scouts of the Philippines has announced the topnotchers of the just concluded 28th national training school. They are Welfredo L. Abella Jr., field scout executive of Cebu City Council and Melvin M. Reyes, institutional coordinator of Francisco E. Barzaga memorial School of the Cavite Council, as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Roberto P. Maguad, field scout executive of Negros Council, is the first honorable mention.

The three scouters are part of the 14 graduates of the month-long school for professional scouters.

"The three excelled in academic and leadership performance and managerial ability which will be their own greatest tool in managing their respective councils," BSP Secretary General J. Rizal C. Pangilinan said.

At the graduation ceremony held at the board room of the BSP national headquarters on Nov. 27, Pangilinan announced that Abella and Reyes will be sent to represent the Boy Scouts of the Philippines to the International camp Staff Program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America in mid 2008.

"The training will further boost understanding and capability of the two graduates in running the council or program of the BSP. In due time, the three could choose to be the scout executives of their own councils. The training in US could give them an edge," he said.

NTS is a month-long rigid training for career executives, who decided to join the professional service in Scouting. It aims to develop the leadership and managerial skills of each participant. Over the years, the school has produced a number of graduates now working at the regions and councils.