THE DEPARTMENT of Education and various educational groups discussed on Friday the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11476 titled “An Act Institutionalizing Good Manners and Right Conduct and Values Education in the K to 12 Curriculum”.

The consultation initiated by DepEd was attended by officials of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools Administrators, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, National Economic and Development Authority, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Youth Commission, and other private and faith-based organizations.

The meeting aimed to formulate a pedagogically sound GMRC and Values Education curricula to be implemented next school year.

“This is a step in the right direction and if well implemented, students in the public schools shall be forced to behave well in and out of the campus just like how a student in the private schools are being molded and remolded,” Eleazardo Kasilag, FAPSA president, said.

DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali said that GMRC subjects will encompass character building, Christian values, Christian ethics, morals, Theology, Religion and Values Education.

Kasilag said the teaching of GMRC will be a positive development in education because cussing, blasphemy, and back fighting are common among students.

“We all deserve this and it’s a big thumbs up if this is realized,” he said.

“There is only a big difference; in the private schools, we can dismiss a recidivist student owing to bad behavior as recommended by the guidance counselor or the prefect of discipline. Private schools consider behavior as weightier than academic standing and this is stipulated in the school manual,” Kasilag said.

“GMRC shall be taught as a separate subject from Grades 1-6 with the same time allotment as the other core subjects and shall be integrated in the daily learning activities in kindergarten level. Values Education shall be taught as a separate subject from Grades 7-10 with the same time allotment as the other core subjects,” he added.