Ashley Dela Cruz expressed her gratitude for becoming one of the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines becoming only the third Antipolo resident to receive the recognition.

“Being the first female winner of the award from our city, I felt more empowered as a woman after receiving it. It also inspires me to empower more young people who will bring about change,” said Dela Cruz.

The BSP award is a yearly competition for the almost million scouts in the Philippines where 10 are recognized as Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Dela said she was so encouraged with receiving the recognition that she is thinking of pursuing a career in the public sector.

“It might make me consider getting closer to young people and continuing my work in public service. It opens my eyes and presents me with more opportunities. This is also what motivated me to join Sangguniang Kabataan. I believe that this is one of the best ways to help,” said Dela Cruz.

The 20-year-old graduated with honors from Sumulong Memorial High School gaining a Senior High School Diploma in 2021 after completing the Academic Track in Accountancy and Business Management.

She turned to scouting because of the interesting and useful activities in the movement as well as offering her the best chance to be of service to the community.

“Ever since all I want is to help. In Scouting we do outdoors activities, survival skills and everything. I am an outgoing person and public service runs in our family veins. So why not join scouting, after all it is a complete package and a great help specially to all the youths to become a better and future,” said Dela Cruz.

The search aims to give due recognition to the most outstanding Scouts who epitomize sterling qualities of school and community leadership, academic excellence, and good moral conduct.

In selecting Dela Cruz, the BSP certainly found one such role model to the youth.