QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11476)
RA 11476 is titled the “GMRC and Value Education Act.” It institutionalizes Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education in the K to 12 curriculum, appropriating funds for this purpose and for other related needs.
The State recognizes youth’s vital role in nation-building and promotes their well-being. It affirms the educational institutions’ role in inculcating patriotism and nationalism, love of humanity, respect of human rights, appreciation of heroes in national history, teaching rights and duties of citizenship, strengthening ethical/spiritual values, developing moral character and discipline, encouraging critical/creative thinking, broadening science/technology knowledge, and promoting vocational efficiency.
It defines Human Dignity as the unique and inherent value or worth of human persons—intrinsic, innate, inviolable, inalienable, and universal. It provides an anchoring value for the Values Education framework and GMRC content.
Values Education is (1) the process by which young people internalize values and develop the ability and settled disposition to act on those principles; (2) the pedagogies/methods/programs used by teachers to create learning experiences for valuing processes, value positions, and value judgment; and (3) learning about self and life wisdom in a self-exploratory, systematic, scientific way.
GMRC refers to certain and particular universally accepted basic social values and etiquette and/or proper modes of behavior that convey respect to those with whom one interacts.
Character Building Activities are actual and authentic learning activities wherein the character of learners is formed, shaped, and/or built-up. RA 11476 requires GMRC and Values Education to be delivered through clear, distinct, specific, and concrete character building activities.
GMRC must be taught from Grades 1 to 6 as a separate subject with the same time allotment as other core subjects. In kindergarten, GMRC must be integrated into daily learning activities.
Values Education is taught as a separate subject from Grades 7 to 10. At these grade levels (Grades 7–10), GMRC shall remain integrated in the teaching of Values Education.
In Grades 11 and 12, Values Education is integrated in the teaching of subjects under the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (i.e., not as a separate subject per the statute’s placement).
It must encompass universal human, ethical, and moral values and inculcate respect for oneself, others, and elders; intercultural diversity; gender equity; ecology and integrity of creation; peace and justice; obedience to the law; nationalism and global citizenship; and patience, perseverance, industry, honesty and integrity, good faith in dealing with other humans, along with other universal values.
Teachers with diplomas/certifications/trainings in Values Education or allied disciplines must be given preference to teach the core subject. DepEd must conduct appropriate training for teachers and educators on GMRC and Values Education and provide adequate instructional materials.
It requires a collaborative action by the school community and other stakeholders to foster parental involvement and develop home-and-school partnerships for an inclusive values education framework.
DepEd must conduct an annual review of GMRC and Values Education implementation to ensure proper implementation and assess student learning outcomes to determine efficacy. The report must be submitted within thirty (30) days from the end of the review period to the Committees on Basic Education of both houses of Congress.
DepEd is the lead implementing agency. Initial implementation funding must come from current DepEd appropriations. Continuous implementation must be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The remaining parts or provisions not affected by the invalidity remain in full force and effect.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.