Sex education has been included in the Philippine curriculum since 2012 through the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RH law). Based on the Department of Education’s Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE), lessons taught to K-12 students range from anatomy and physiology (reproductive organ and the concept of fertility), to self-identity (involving coming to terms with the changes that come with puberty). It also paved way for avenues for Reproductive health goods and services to be accessible to all. Its target audiences are elementary and high school students who are approximately 10-19 years old. Its benefits mainly involve being able to make an informed decision about reproduction. The RH information students get from sex ed is truthful. This can help them discern what is helpful for them given the proliferation of misconceptions that aim to demonize sex ed, especially after the fact that the Philippines is big on its religious and conservative beliefs. Students know what type of contraceptives they have access to, where and how they can get it, and whether it has side effects they have to look out for. Its disadvantage involve the country’s deep connection with its religious faith. For a high school student, purchasing morning-after pills may raise eyebrows and lead to negative judgements. Back when I was in high school, I can say that the implementation of sex education through the RH law is lacking. The only lessons given to our class mainly comprised of the anatomical features of a vagina and a penis, the process of conception, and the physical and hormonal changes that a pubescent person may go through.
References:
- Joven, J. (2021, November 5). Do we actually have sex ed in Philippine schools? Cnn. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/Education/2021/11/5/sex-education-philippine-schools.html
- POPCOM. (n.d.). Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH)- General Information | Official Website of POPCOM Region VIII. Region 8 POPCOM. https://rpo8.popcom.gov.ph/responsible-parenthood-and-reproductive-health-rprh-general-information/
- Roots of Health. (2009). Resources: K-12 CSE Guide. Roots of Health. https://rootsofhealth.org/resources/