In hopes of “bringing back respect and compassion” for each other, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso vowed to invest in reviving the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) subject in all public schools in the city.

In a meeting with officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Division of City Schools (DCS) Manila on Tuesday, Domagoso said it is important to teach people about the importance of respect.

“While we argue, while we disagree, but there is a certain level of respect among each other, sa tingin ko tatamaan lahat yun, na kapag alam niyang may mali, alam niyang hindi niya dapat gawin iyon (I believe that it all boils down to this, that if you are aware that it is wrong, then you know that you should not do it),” Domagoso said.

He said the city government, together with DepEd and DCS, will be doing information dissemination campaigns and seminars for both teachers and students related to the GMRC program.

DepEd’s Bureau of Curriculum Development chief Isabel Victorino and DCS Manila head Magdalena Lim pledged support for the program.

“Ang malasakit kasi, it’s a big word. Marami nang nakapaloob doon – respeto, pagpapahalaga, disiplina. When you care, you’ll understand naturally ultimo yung maliliit na bagay (compassion is a big word that includes many aspects – respect, value, discipline. When you care, you’ll understand naturally that even the smallest things matter),” Domagoso said.

Meanwhile, Domagoso added that the city government will also build more science and math laboratories in Manila to boost the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program for senior high school students.

He said the city government will support all efforts in developing the potential of students and helping the next generation of Manilenyos or “batang maynila”.

Domagoso said schools play a crucial role in molding children into becoming responsible individuals especially since children spend a big portion of their time inside schools.

The national government has been discussing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the implementation of Republic Act No. 11476, otherwise known as the GMRC and Values Education Act for the country that was signed into law this year.

The law states that the GMRC program shall be taught as a separate subject for students from Grade 1 to Grade 12, with the same time allotment of other subjects.

RA 11476 or Values Education states that it will encompass universal human, ethical, and moral values, among others. (PNA)