IN A bid to instill values and good manners among Masantoleño youth, a non-government organization and the local government of Masantol has launched its first youth development program.

The program was piloted at the Masantol High School in Barangay Bebe Anac, where about 500 junior and senior high school will benefit.

Masantol Development Center Executive Director Leng Nojadera said the program is intended to become a substitute for the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) subject, which has been abolished from the school curriculum.

The program will be integrated with the school's extra-curricular activities through forums, counseling activities, workshops and retreat aimed at boosting the values formation of students, she added.

Aside from values formation, the program is also intended to make students understand self-worth and ensure their competitiveness for their chosen career.

"The program is a holistic approach to develop the physical and mental capacity of the students and ensure that they will become productive citizens of the community," Nojadera said.

Mayor Danilo Guintu, meanwhile, cited the importance of having a values formation program integrated on the education of students.

"GMRC is a vital ingredient in the formation of children and we are very proud to take the first step in restoring it on our public schools. In this way, Masantoleños will not only excel in their chosen careers, but will also become active in civic movements and activities benefitting their fellows," he said.

Guintu, meanwhile, said the local government will be allocating some P600,000 for the implementation of the program in different public schools in town.

He also said that funds will be doubled by Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo Bondoc to ensure its smooth and successful implementation.