An “honesty store” was opened in a public high school in Talavera town, Nueva Ecija province to instill a culture of honesty and integrity among students.

Dr. Catalina A. Salum, principal of the San Ricardo National High School, on Friday said the launching of “Tindahan ni Honest Juan” last week was in line with their goal to enhance values formation among the youth.

“Itong honesty store ay ginagawa po namin noon pa sa bawat kwarto. Bawat silid-aralan ay meron honest store. Dun po ang advocacy ng mga mag-aaral at maging mga guro na pagiging honest ay nakikita rito (Every room had this honesty store even before. Every classroom has an honest store. The students and even teachers’ advocacy of being honest can be seen here),” Salum said in an local television interview.

She added that putting up the honesty store is part of their Project Watch, an undertaking of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Junior Chamber International, which aims to promote time management to make learners productive in society.

“Pag matapat sila sa kanilag sarili, tiyak na tagumpay ang kanilang aanihin (If they are honest to themselves, it is certain that they will reap success),” Salum said.

Patterned after the Honesty Café in the province of Batanes, the store is left unattended and student-buyers are expected to voluntarily leave their payment for the items they are getting.

Among the available merchandise at the “Tindahan ni Honest Juan” are candies, biscuits, mineral water and school supplies such as pencils, ball pens, crayons and pad paper, among others. (PNA)