By Sonya Delgado
As part of the city’s commitment to instilling moral values and self-discipline in Dabawenyo learners, the City Government of Davao, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao City Division, officially integrated the Dabawenyo DCplinado program into the curriculum of schools.
The DCplinado modules was launched on Tuesday, December 10, at the Teodoro L. Palma Gil Elementary School. City Ordinance No. 0552-24 is the foundation for the DCplinado program’s implementation in schools.
Its goal is to help children develop a strong moral character and a profound appreciation for discipline among Dabawenyo students.
The Dabawenyo DCplinado program will be incorporated into the current Department of Education curriculum, specifically in the areas of Values Education (VE), Araling Panlipunan, Makabayan, and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC).
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in his message, said the modules were developed based on his observations, during his travels, that people from other countries are disciplined.
“Why is there a big difference between people’s lives there and people’s lives here in our country or in our area? They know how to discipline themselves, so that’s one of the things I noticed the most,” he said.
He said the modules are one of the ways to uphold discipline among Dabawenyos, knowing that the residents are already disciplined.
“I entered politics, I said that I want to preserve this. I want the discipline to remain in our place so that our area can remain peaceful),” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to everyone who helped create the modules.
“Thank you very much for your participation in making the modules. It is a very big thing for the future of our city),” he said.
“This is really for the future of the children in our area. When the time comes, what will matter are the intangible things, like these values,” he added.
Reynante Solitario, DepEd Davao City schools superintendent, in his message said the integration of the DCplinado program is evidence of the city government’s and DepEd-Davao City Division’s joint dedication to fostering the values that characterize Davao City residents. “
And as a proud Dabawenyo, ako, tayo, bawa’t isa sa atin, I say this as an extraordinary opportunity to preserve the essence of our culture, our respect for diversity, our deep regard for our environment, our unwavering sense of fairness and justice. These values are not ideals, they are the lifeblood of a just, humane, and democratic society,” Solitario said.
He said the initiative also supports Dabawenyos’ collective obligation to protect the environment and uphold ethical practices in the digital age.
“The modules mirror our city’s rich cultural and historical deep history that would teach the moral virtues that are essential in fostering empathy, accountability, and respect for all women, senior citizens, PWD, indigenous peoples, the LGBTQ community, and every individual who calls Davao as their home,” he said.
“Through the commitment of our educators, the support of our partners, and the collaboration of our community, we ensure that these lessons will resonate in the lives of our Dabawenyo learners, shaping their character and strengthening their sense of social responsibility,” he added.
The Dabawenyo Dcplinado program shall be initially taught among Grade 6 and Grade 10 students in January 2025.
Civic duty and community involvement, adherence to legal requirements, gender equality and cultural sensitivity, self-discipline, and moral conduct, information and digital ethics, environmental stewardship, culture of security, and financial literacy are among the subjects covered in the modules.