President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday encouraged young scouts to embrace their responsibility as "agents of change" and contribute to building a better and more sustainable world.

In his speech during the opening ceremony of the 18th National Scout Jamboree in Western Visayas, Marcos underscored the importance of scouting in shaping future generations.

"Each of you here is called upon to help shape our future and create a better and more sustainable world," Marcos said.

"To our beloved scouts, remember that you are here also to have fun, and to have an adventure, but to learn also about positive agents of change of which you can be part of."

Marcos also recalled his own experiences as a Boy Scout, acknowledging the jamboree's role as the "mother of all activities" in scouting life.

He lauded the movement's contribution in nurturing camaraderie, leadership and active citizenship among the youth.

"Scouting plays a vital role in fostering the spirit of camaraderie and leadership among our youth," Marcos said.

"With its unique blend of education, adventure, fun, scouting continues to inspire our young people to become active and productive members of society," he added.

Marcos ended his speech by officially declaring the 18th National Scout Jamboree open, urging the scouts to be strong, mindful, and ever-ready to serve their country.

"Make your bodies strong and healthy, keep your minds keen and ever-conscious, stand your ground, embody the scout law, and heed the call of duty to God and country," he said.

"These qualities will make you a good scout – a good scout makes a good citizen, and a good contributor to our goal of building a Bagong Pilipinas," he added.

Approximately 35,000 scouts and leaders nationwide are actively involved in this year's National Scout Jamboree, alongside special guests and representatives from other National Scout Organizations globally, making it the largest jamboree in the Philippines.

Established more than a century ago, scouting aims to empower individuals and shape them into proactive citizens contributing to their local, national, and global communities.

The 18th National Scout Jamboree seeks to create a progressive, thrilling and safe environment that challenges scouts to maximize their social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional and spiritual potentials, enabling them to actively contribute to building better communities.

Today, scouting stands as the foremost educational youth movement globally, with over 57 million Scouts spread across 200 countries and territories. Its initiatives inspire young people to engage as proactive citizens striving for a more sustainable world.

Running from 11 to 17 December, the National Scout Jamboree centers on the theme: "Youth Engagement: Sustaining Relevance and Strengthening Resilience."