No condom distribution yet – DepEd

Following reports that the Department of Health (DoH) is already eyeing a region to pilot-test its condom distribution in schools, Education Secretary Leonor Briones maintained that the Department of Education (DepEd) has not received any communication from the health agency nor has it given any go signal for the project.

Briones stressed that she would like to involve the entire Executive Committee (ExeCom) of DepEd in the “very sensitive decision on the debated program” before announcing its implementation.

Earlier, Briones stressed that the condom distribution – should it be pushed through in schools – will not be a “mass event.” She further clarified that in the event of implementation, “it will be at the level wherein students are capable of understanding and discerning through the continuing age-appropriate reproductive health education in schools.”

DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Dina Ocampo underscored the importance of context and better understanding of children in all interventions for learners.

Ocampo, who is an ExeCom member, pointed out during a press conference at the 2nd National K to 12 Conference that interventions involving children necessitates helping them understand the need for such actions that will greatly affect their lives and wellbeing.

‘Abortifacients’ Meanwhile, church officials urged President Duterte to respect the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) stopping the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH).

In a text message to media, Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros appealed to Duterte to wait for the final decision of the SC on the legality of the RPRH before enforcing its provisions since it could affect the lives of the unborn.

“Duterte should respect the decision of the Supreme Court which aims to support the Constitution on respect of human life even from its beginning in the womb of the mother,” Bastes said.

“The TRO (temporary restraining order) is to avoid abortifacient contraceptives,” he added.

In 2015, SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to restrict Department of Health (DOH) from procuring, selling, dispensing and administering contraceptive implants. (With a report from Samuel P. Medenilla)