The Nationwide Search for the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts (TOBS) of the Philippines was initiated in 1989 during the incumbency of former Education Secretary and Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) National President Dr. Isidro D. Cariño. The Search aims to recognize Scouts who best represent the aspirations that the Scouting Movement aims to achieve: Scouts with sterling achievements in community leadership, academic excellence, and good moral conduct.

In 1993, a group of past TOBS awardees convened to jumpstart efforts in bringing together all past awardees of the annual Search.  In 1995, the group was officially organized and named Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines Association (TOBSPA).

Over the years, TOBSPA evolved as a strong support organization to the BSP in developing and implementing its relevant projects, activities, and advocacies for the advancement of Filipino youth.

In 2005, TOBSPA was officially recognized as a developmental arm of the BSP through a certification released by BSP Secretary General, J. Rizal C. Pangilinan.  Such recognition coincided with the 10th year of the association.

In 2010, TOBSPA celebrated its 15th anniversary led by a kick-off dinner on January 1, 2010, during the 26th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in Mt. Makiling, Laguna hosted and attended by BSP National President Jejomar C. Binay.  In March of the same year, TOBSPA was officially registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), thus allowing the Association to strengthen its capacities as a distinct legal personality while still performing its service to the BSP and the Filipino youth.

Following the commitment of the scouting program to diversity and inclusion, TOBSPA officially welcomed the first female winner of the search in 2016, Dianne Villasis of Cabanatuan Council, allowing women scouts to break glass ceilings in a previously male-dominated space. Currently, TOBSPA has twelve women members including the first openly trans woman outstanding scout, Amber Quiban of Abra Council, who was awarded in 2011. The increase in women’s membership in the Association has led to the launch of Women of TOBSPA in 2020 - a sub-committee focused on gender-sensitive projects for the organization and the greater scouting movement.

As of December 2022, the Association has 329 members in various parts of the country and abroad who are experts and changemakers in different fields including law, medicine, science, engineering, business, finance, arts, development work, government and public service, information technology, media and entertainment, religious ministry, military service, and scouting.