Sexuality is an integral part of human life, yet sex education remains a sensitive issue of highly polarized and heated debates in the Philippines, a predominantly Christian country with conservative ideologies and often archaic views, which can be attributed to disinformation campaigns disseminating distorted or misleading information about sex education, coupled with religious groups that demonize sex education and promote abstinence as an alternative solution in accordance with their own values and beliefs under the misconception that doing so would only encourage children to have sex despite overwhelming evidence that comprehensive sexuality education benefits children and society as a whole.
Everyone, especially the youth at the cusp of puberty and learning/exploration, has the right to receive reliable, science-based and comprehensive health information about sexuality and reproductive health. However, we continue to face renewed opposition to the provision of mandatory sexuality education in schools. Such resistance to the provision of mandatory sex education in schools is an illustration of a broader opposition to the full attainment of the human rights of specific minority groups, particularly women, members of the LGBTQ+ community and, to some extent, children themselves, on grounds that it would threaten traditional and religious values. Furthermore, it reinforces the stigma around sex, thereby placing women at an increased risk to early and unintended pregnancies and gender-based violence, among other negative consequences.
However, contrary to popular belief of the opposition, research carried out at both national and international levels has demonstrated time and again the benefits of comprehensive sexuality education, including delayed sexual initiation, reduced risk-taking, increased use of contraception, and improved attitudes related to sexual and reproductive health (Council of Europe, 2020). In addition, it lessens negative health consequences such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), promotes value and respect to own and other’s bodily autonomy, and shows dignity and respect to all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
UNESCO (2018) defined comprehensive sexuality education as a “curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality that aims to equip children and young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will empower them to realize their health, well-being and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others; and understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives.”
So far, comprehensive sexuality education is implemented in the country by the following two policies:
1. Republic Act 10354, The RP-RH Act of 2012: This is a national policy that mandates the Philippine Government to comprehensively address the needs of the Filipino citizens when it comes to responsible parenthood and reproductive health. Relevant salient provisions include: 1) access to reproductive health and family planning services; 2) maternal health care services, including building capacities of skilled birth attendants and improving facility-based deliveries; 3) delivery of comprehensive sexuality education for the youth.
2. DepEd Order #31, series of 2018. This issuance is entitled, the Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, was enacted pursuant to the provisions of the RP-RH Act of 2012. Learning materials on CSE was developed in 2018 and submitted to DepEd Central Office for quality check, approval and launching. According to the Department of Education (2018), it aims to “enhance the holistic wellness of the Filipino adolescents and effectively address their needs for health and protection through education by ensuring that they are equipped with comprehensive information and appropriate life skills that can advance gender equality and empowerment, clarify their values and attitude, and reduce risks related to poor health outcomes”.
Though the country has made considerable progress over the last decade towards delivering such education, we still have a long way to go before improving the curricula such that it goes beyond biology and reproduction and truly equips children with knowledge about their bodies and their rights, and informs them about gender equality, sexual orientation, gender identity, and healthy relationships.
References:
Comprehensive Sexuality Education. (n.d.). Philippines Toolkit: AYSRH Community Support. https://tciurbanhealth.org/courses/philippines-toolkit-community-support/lessons/comprehensive-sexuality-education-2/
Council of Europe. (2020, October 28). Comprehensive sexuality education protects children and helps build a safer, inclusive society. Commissioner for Human Rights. https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/comprehensive-sexuality-education-protects-children-and-helps-build-a-safer-inclusive-society
Why comprehensive sexuality education is important. (2018, June 19). UNESCO. https://en.unesco.org/news/why-comprehensive-sexuality-education-important