SEX EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

FLORANTE C. BANTULA JR.

One of the most discussed issues today in the Philippines is the alarming number of young people who engage in pre-marital sex which causes early pregnancies, abortion and even acquiring HIV. It is saddening to hear that, even though the Philippines practices conservative traditions, yet these actions are evident. This kind of activity is becoming normal trends which are so alarming and must seriously give an immediate attention. The attitude towards this action might get worsened in the near future if this circumstance will be ignored. This problem considered to be cancer of society that needed an immediate solution. Life of the youngsters today is so different from before. They can easily adopt changes and makes everything acceptable and normal as part of human being.

Education has significant roles in preparation of child’s effective participation in society. It prepares the child to be competitive as well adaptive to changes that may occur without changing the values learned to our culture and tradition. This role has a big impact on the learners with the current issue that arises from the community. School as institution of learning, carries the burden on how to at least enlighten the mind of the youth with the pressing issues that the society is facing. This institution is the right venue to educate the young minds about sex education.

Today, under the Republic Health Law of the Philippines, sex education was included in the curriculum of primary and secondary education. This action is primarily to give awareness to the problem with early pregnancies and other issues concerning sexual activities. To give insight, the curriculum discusses responsible parenthood and how to prepare a good family life. This is very important to prepare the youth for the future, but still, this is not enough to solve the issue concerning our youth. Most of the time teachers are still hesitant to discuss thoroughly this matter to students because of their readiness to the topic as well we are still bound to our conservative t r adi t i on.

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The author is Secondary School Teacher III at Rafael L. Lazatin Memorial High School, Balibago, Angeles City