MANILA, Philippines — The planned integration of an age-appropriate and culture-sensitive sex education in the basic elementary and high school curriculum will develop responsible Filipino youth who are aware of risks and issues involving reproductive health, according to the Department of Education DepEd. Education Secretary Leonor Briones said there is a need to introduce a comprehensive sexuality education policy to students to curb rising incidences of early pregnancy, sexual violence and human-immunodeficiency virus among young Filipinos. Briones recently approved a department order establishing a comprehensive sexuality education policy aimed at providing students with appropriate life skills that can advance gender equality and empowerment, clarify their values and attitude and reduce risks related to poor health outcomes. The policy is designed to ensure that the learners are receiving comprehensive and appropriate information that can advance gender equality and empowerment. Based on the order, the comprehensive sexuality education will have seven core topics: human body and human development; personhood, healthy relationships; sexuality and sexual behaviors; sexual and reproductive health; personal safety; and gender, culture and human rights. The topics aim to develop values including self-knowledge and self-respect, self-protection, non-judgement, respect and concern for others, positive attitude toward sexuality, responsibility and independence. DepEd said discussions of the topics may also be integrated in other learning areas and grade levels. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country.
The general purpose of sex education is to inform youth on topics including sex, sexuality and bodily development. Quality sex education can lead to better prevention in STDs and unwanted pregnancy. Furthermore, it decreases the risks of having unsafe sex and increases responsible family planning. To help address issues, like overpopulation, high rates of teen pregnancy and the rise of HIV , the Philippines is gradually implementing sex education and accessibility to contraceptives. Through the act, the government integrated sex education into the public school curriculum for students ages 10 to The Philippines also gave funding for free or subsidized contraceptives at health centers and public schools.
Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Youngsters need to be educated early about sex to become more responsible in dealing with the matter. Awareness deters unwanted repercussions. Leonard Villa, Batac City: No. Sex education should start at home. William Gonzaga, Marikina City: Yes! Nevertheless, such a subject will be somewhat useless to students if parents do not participate in its dissertation. Ed Gulmatico, Bacolod City: Malice among Filipino youths starts at a young age, and this will prevail over the necessity to be educated. If misguided kids indulge more in premarital sex, we better construct more orphanage centers in urban cities. Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Sex education should start at home, but it may be taught in school on an optional basis so parents would have leeway. Many parents shy away from the subject.
By Ma. Teresa Montemayor April 4, , pm. MANILA -- The Department of Education DepEd on Thursday underscored the importance of integrating sexuality education lessons in public elementary and high schools to curb the incidences of teenage pregnancy, population growth, and sexual diseases. Education Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said the DepEd is working on the updates and improvement of policy guidelines on the implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education CSE integrated with subjects and extra-curricular activities.
