Parañaque District 2 Rep. Bryan Yamsuan has called for a stronger focus on Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and values education in schools, saying recent incidents of violence involving young people should serve as a wake-up call for education authorities and parents.

In a privilege speech, Yamsuan said it was time to review how GMRC is taught in schools, noting that the subject appears to have been taken for granted or not given enough importance in the curriculum.

He said incidents of violence involving student-age youth should prompt school authorities and parents to strengthen efforts to build the moral foundation of young Filipinos.

“Good manners and right conduct are not mere words but should be guiding principles in the life of every Filipino,” Yamsuan said.

His call came in the wake of a sho*ting incident at a school in Tacloban in June and another violent incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University a month later.

Yamsuan said the incidents highlight the need to strengthen existing laws and policies aimed at developing the values and character of young people.

“I propose a thorough review and strengthen implementation of our existing laws to help rebuild the moral infrastructure of our country,” Yamsuan said.

“First, we must ensure that GMRC and values education are taught at separate subjects in all our schools, and given the same priority as subjects like math and science,” he added.

Yamsuan also called for better preparation of teachers who handle GMRC and values education.

“We must capacitate our teachers and adequately train them to effectively teach GMRC,” he said.

The lawmaker said strengthening moral and values education should be treated as an essential part of addressing violence and other behavioral problems among young people, with schools and families playing a key role in shaping their conduct.