ILOILO City – A comprehensive policy framework is essential in addressing the persistent problem of teenage pregnancies, according to advocates of sexuality education.
Debates surround the Department of Education’s (DepEd) implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). But Ilonggo party-list representative Raoul Manuel emphasized that policies tackling teenage pregnancies must be holistic, incorporating age-appropriate, culturally sensitive education and ensuring access to reproductive health services and resources.
There are attempts to revoke the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, already approved on its third and final reading in the House of Representatives.
“Comprehensive Adolescent Sexuality Education is integral to any adolescent pregnancy prevention policy. Without proper education, prevention mechanisms fail because information is key,” Manuel said.
He called for the involvement of families and non-state entities in educating the youth and supporting a comprehensive policy to prevent adolescent pregnancies.
“If this problem persists, the true victims are the youth, especially the thousands of young women burdened with the physical and emotional challenges of early motherhood. Meaningful reforms are crucial for their sake,” said Manuel who represents the Kabataan party-list in the House of Representatives.
DepEd Secretary Defends CSE Amid Criticism
Education secretary Sonny Angara, meanwhile, responded to a viral video alleging that CSE “hypersexualizes children”. He reiterated the department’s commitment to the youth’s health and well-being.
The Schools Division Office (SDO) – Iloilo Province recently assured Ilonggos that the integration of CSE in schools adheres to age-appropriate and concept-appropriate guidelines.
Dr. Nestor Paul Pingil, chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division of SDO-Iloilo said DepEd focuses on integrating concepts aligned with learners’ developmental stages and does not delve into technical aspects of sex or promote the use of contraceptives.
Instead, CSE centers on teaching values such as self-respect, self-care, and responsible social behavior, he clarified.
For his part, Angara said, ““We aim to shape life skills, values, and behaviors to address pressing challenges such as teenage pregnancy, HIV, and gender-based violence.”
He assured Filipinos that DepEd policies are grounded in data and tailored to meet learners’ needs, including guiding them on self-management and interpersonal relationships.
As the former Chair of the Senate Youth Committee, Angara spearheaded initiatives to address the alarming rise in teenage pregnancies, including filing a resolution advocating for a whole-of-government approach to develop a comprehensive policy framework. This framework aims to prevent early childbearing, mitigate its negative effects, such as school dropouts, and secure the future of the youth.
Angara also clarified his role as a co-author of Senate Bill No. 1979, the Teenage Pregnancy Bill, explaining that he was included in the committee report because he chaired the Finance Committee, which oversees budgetary provisions for such legislation.
“DepEd remains open to feedback, especially with specific details, and ensures a balanced approach in implementing policies. We collaborate with stakeholders, including health providers and community organizations, to make our programs effective and culturally sensitive,” Angara said.
He assured the public that the CSE policy underwent thorough review to prioritize community and cultural contexts, integrating Filipino cultural and religious values while addressing learners’ health and safety needs.
Age-Appropriate Curriculum and Teacher Training
The CSE curriculum employs a grade-specific, age, and developmentally appropriate approach, beginning with basic health concepts. Its complexity progresses in line with learners’ developmental milestones.
DepEd also provides teachers with specialized training to deliver CSE lessons professionally and sensitively, ensuring discussions empower students with accurate information while respecting cultural sensitivities.
“DepEd ensures that CSE is not only relevant but also sensitive to the unique contexts of Filipino learners,” Angara said./PN
