Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna called on parents and teachers to instill in the minds of children the importance of moral values. 

She said young citizens of Manila must be academically equipped with moral values as they grow up and become the nation's future leaders and government partners.

In line with this, Lacuna-Pangan directed the Manila Youth Development and Welfare Bureau and the Division of City Schools (DCS) to use their position to guide the youth toward a future guided by good moral conduct.

The mayor also cited the possible influence of social media which creates a culture where children are made to believe that they do not need to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of their own parents.

"Ibang-iba na po ang mga kabataan ngayon. Ipinapakita nila at sinasabi nila ang nasa isip nila.  May mga pagkakataong tama naman sila,  may mga pagkakataon naman na kailangang iwasto pa sila o di kaya ay tulungan, alalayan (Young people today are very different. They show and say what's in their mind. There are times when they are right, there are times when they need to be corrected or maybe helped, supported)," she said.

The local chief executive said it is for this reason that the city government, through its youth bureau, would want to focus on the value formation among children.

"Nakausap na din po natin ang DCS na ibalik natin sa ating pagtuturo ang moral values.  Siguro, panahon na, para di lang tutukan ang academic excellence kundi sa pagkatao rin (We have also talked to DCS to bring back moral values ​​in our teaching. Maybe, it's time to focus not only on academic excellence but also on character)," the mayor stressed.

She noted that it all starts from the homes and schools where the children spend most of their time.

 "Tulong-tulong tayo... simulan po ninyo sa inyong tahanan na gabayang maigi ang inyong mga anak. Di natin sila kailangang pagalitan, imulat lang sa tama (Let's help each other... Start at home to guide your children well. We don't need to scold them, just make them aware of the right thing)," the mayor added.