BATANG MAYNILA
Mayor Isko Moreno
I am both happy and excited that the implementing rules and regulations for the integration of GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct) into the K-12 curriculum is already in the works.
I learned of this as I met recently with officials from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Division of City Schools-Manila headed by its superintendent Magdalena Lim.
During our meeting, I specifically made known to them my intention to be an active partner in promoting GMRC among the students of today, in line with the direction of the national government under President Rordigo Roa Duterte.
The city government is also in full support of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program to enhance the untapped potential of students in Manila in the said fields of endeavor.
As we all know, Republic Act 11476, the GMRC and Values Education Act, was signed in June by President Duterte. This institutionalizes GMRC as a subject under the K-12 curriculum.
RA 11476 mandates the integration of GMRC into daily activities at the kindergarten level. It will be taught as a separate subject from Grades 1 to 6 while students from Grades 7 to 10 will be taught Values Education into which GMRC will be incorporated. On the other hand, Values Education will be integrated into all subjects under the K-12 curriculum for those in Grades 11 and 12.
Let’s face it. Nowadays, good manners and right conduct are fast waning among our youngsters while in some, they are totally gone – forgotten. It could be due to a lot of factors like modern
culture, influence from peers or modern-day technology where children can have access to all kinds of information via the Internet.
No longer do our younger citizens constantly practice the basic Filipino traditional values of respect such as simply saying “po,” “opo,” “thank you” and “excuse me.” Why, even acts of chivalry like opening the doors or giving up seats for women and the elderly are not frequently observed anymore.
Having gone to Catholic schools where GMRC used to be taught as a full subject, I know and value the importance of GMRC and how it shaped me and my fellow youngsters at that time to become God-fearing citizens who have high respect for elders, women, parents and even our peers, not only within the school but also within the family, society, and now, in government.
Being taught these important values during one’s formative years will eventually also instill discipline and compassion for others. From having these traits, a lot of good things may spring such as good behaviour, integrity, morality, honesty, discipline, respect, patriotism, civility, responsibility, and over-all good character.
The GMRC and Values Education Act was signed into law in view of the normal setup where children spend time longest in schools. In such case, the parents or guardians are called upon to follow through by also teaching GMRC within the confines of the home.
However, with online classes now in place in lieu of face-to-face ones due to the pandemic, the students are now spending more time with their parents, guardians, and other family members.
Owing to this, I am appealing to the students’ constant companions at home to do their share in inculcating the values of GMRC among the students.
We in the city government will do everything humanly possible to drum up full support in promoting GMRC in and outside the school and revive them in the hearts and minds of our young population.
Hand in hand, I know we can empower our youth for them to become good and responsible citizens and future leaders of the country. We can do this!
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Gaya ng paulit-ulit kong sinasabi, kailangan ko angtulong ninyong lahat. Walang magmamalasakit sa Maynila kundi tayo ding mga Batang Maynila. Manila, God first!
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For updates on latest developments in the city of Manila, please visit my Facebook account –“IskoMoreno Domagoso”