CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Department of Education-Region III has issued the regional guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of RA 11476 (GMRC and Values Education Act) in all public schools in Central Luzon.
“The law empowers our learners to contribute to nation-building while protecting their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social being. It bridges the Filipino people’s collective actions towards a citizenry who are Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan and Makabansa,” DepEd-3 director May Eclar.
“Learners are encouraged to take pride in Filipino national identity, aspire for economic prosperity and socio-political stability, and live in a sustainable world,” she added.
The implementation guidelines are likewise directed at intensifying the regional office’s promotion of the “Ukit Marangal” Agenda, which aims to instill a transformative culture among DepEd personnel, teachers and learners.
Through Regional Memorandum No. 013 s.2024, the said regional policy seeks to guide all public schools in the region to follow a uniform understanding and implementation of RA 11476 and include the adoption of “Magalang Bow,” utilization of EsP/GMRC-VE time allotment, promotion of Filipino values and observance of the Filipino Values Month, inclusion of interfaith/ ecumenical prayer, conduct of Regional Character Development Program, implementation of Time Allotment, provision of capacity building/ training, retooling and upskilling for EsP/GMRC-VE teachers, and retention of trained teachers.
“The adoption of the Magalang Bow is based on DepEd Order No. 88, s. 1991 exhorting its practice, along with similar gestures of respect, by the learners when greeting school authorities, personnel, elders, and stakeholders inside or outside the school premises,” Eclar noted.
“’Magandang Buhay, Mabuting Tao’ is said while placing the right palm on the left chest and bowing the head slightly in front of the person being greeted. The greeting must be acknowledged in a similar manner,” she explained.
Aside from the adoption of the Magalang Bow, public schools and DepEd offices in the region should also include interfaith/ ecumenical prayer during the flag ceremony, before and after classes, and other school activities and at the same time allot at least 5-10 minutes of discussion of Filipino values during the flag ceremony, following the enclosed values for the month.
School activities/contests/programs should also promote values and must be visible on the activity or program plans and proposals, and promotional materials such as tarpaulin, poster, leaflet, slide deck presentation, and others.
For a copy of the Implementation Guidelines, download Regional Memoranda No. 004 s. 2024 from the DepEd Region III Website at region3.deped.gov.ph.
