Mandela once said that education is the key to eradicate poverty. Even our fore fathers believe that it is the only reason to make life better. Our former Governor, the late Tet Garcia, believed that it is the surest way to improve the economic status of his constituents that is the reason why he initiated the Iskolar ng Bayan, One scholar, one family” but the irony is, is it really enough to ensure a better community? Would the cerebral students really become good leaders?

Education may be the key to improving one’s life because the students can acquire better job opportunities, which can enable them to secure their work and finances, but it is not an absolute reality. There are graduates who cannot adjust to the corporate world and quickly leave their position simply because their attitude cannot cope with the irate and braggart. Their high academic performance does not prepare them to be “people smart” or if these intellectuals are not trained to work with ordinary minds” they tend to be bossy, rude, and egoistic or it’s the other way around, the pretentious “leader” become wicked.

If the “educated” people behave in a demeanor not descriptive of their profession, the essence of education is defeated. Good manners and right conduct must be ingrained in their value system. Professionalism and ethics must be part of their lifestyle.

Our country is in a state of confusion, there is a need for honest and honorable men. This nation needs unselfish leaders with good manners and right conduct.

The House of Representatives even felt the need of GMRC in our society. It is in this regards that the lower house passed the bill known as “Good Manners and Right Conduct Act” to institutionalize values education. GMRC will now be taught from Kindergarten to Grade 3.

Education will then be enough if good values are inculcated to our learners. May be we can have a better community and nation as well.