By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

Girl Scouts from Iloilo Council showed off some dancing skills during a Zumba activity.

The Girl Scouts of the Philippines-Iloilo Council marked its 70th anniversary on January 3-7, 2020 with the theme “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow A Celebration of 7 Decades of Women.” The week-long activities were held at Central Philippine University, Camp Pasica in Dingle and various venues in the city.

On January 3, the GSP Iloilo had a motorcade around Iloilo City which was followed by a Zumba and a Talent Presentation the next day at Rose Memorial Auditorium, Central Philippine University. Sophia Beatrice Tupas, a CPU Grade VI-EXCEL pupil was also crowned as the GSP Iloilo Sapphire Queen in the same venue.

CPU Grade VI-EXCEL pupil Sophia Beatrice Tupas during her coronation as the GSP Iloilo Sapphire Queen.

CPU was chosen as one of the venues for the week-long celebration because of its significant role in GSP Iloilo history. In 1939, the American women missionaries established the first troop in CPU, making it the second oldest in the country. It was called the Rose Troop in honor of Gertrude Rose who is one of the organizers. She is the wife of Dr. Francis Rose who was President of Central Philippine College during that time.

On January 5, the releasing of tilapia fingerlings and the forming of the long green line was held at the Iloilo River Esplanade which was followed by a Poster Making Contest at the Iloilo Girl Scout Social Hall. The next day, the GSP-Iloilo Council conducted a do-day at Camp Pasica, a 13- hectare Girl Scout camp in Dingle, Iloilo.

The week-long festivities came to a close with a Gala Night and Benefit Dinner on January 7 at the Diversion 21 Hotel.