November 17, 2021 – To highlight the importance of Filipino values even in the time of the pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) joins the whole nation in celebrating the 2021 National Observance of the Filipino Values Month (FVM) this November.

With the theme, “Pagpapaunlad ng Pagkatao, Pakikipagkapuwa at Pananampalataya: Hamon sa Panahon ng Pandemya,” this year’s celebration focuses on how the challenges brought about by COVID-19 led to the discovery of the meaning of life, strengthen one’s faith that drives understanding of others, and exercise moral duty and solidarity to ensure the well being of others in need.

“This national observance aims to celebrate each one’s triumph in overcoming the trials that each one may have experienced and create an avenue to rejoice in our very own unique, genuine, and positive Filipino values that play an important role in bringing new hope by becoming considerate and compassionate towards others during this time of the pandemic,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

The FVM also provides a chance to celebrate Filipinos’ respect for every individual’s idea and fellowship to achieve what is best for the common good of the country.

“The little victories that each of us may have sustained in revitalizing the practice of true caring for others, witnessing how we treat everyone with dignity, elevating the goodness of every person as an exercise of one’s faith. The manifestation of perseverance opens an opportunity to transform one’s lifestyle to cope and grow as a human amidst the crisis,” Secretary Briones added.

DepEd, through the Bureau of Learning Delivery-Teaching and Learning Division (BLD-TLD), enjoins all public and private schools nationwide to celebrate FVM by integrating the theme into online class discussions and learning activities and at the same time, encouraging learners and their families to express their heroism in achieving victory over the pandemic.

Furthermore, regional and schools division offices, led by their respective GMRC and Values Education/Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao focal persons, coordinators, and supervisors, through an online platform, may post and create campaign posters or other related advocacy materials to commemorate the occasion.

The observance is under Presidential Proclamation No. 479 signed on October 25, 1994, titled Declaring the Month of November of Every Year as Filipino Values Month.

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