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A Safe Space Long Overdue

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I SEE the importance of addressing adolescent pregnancy as a public health issue becoming even more apparent, based on my experience as a youth parliamentarian in 2022, when I drafted and co-authored a resolution urging the 19th Congress to pass Senate Bill No. 1334 of the 18th Congress, “Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2020.”  It remains a challenge to Filipino society that requires a multifaceted approach, including Section 6 of Senate Bill No. 1979, also known as the “Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023.”

This section is known to standardize and implement age and development-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education in all public and private schools, communities, and other youth institutions. However, it raised explicit debate and discussions among lawmakers, adolescents, adults, and even the President. There were even seven senators who withdrew their signatures from the committee report due to the “grave” criticisms received by the bill.

In light of the strong opposition from religious groups and NCFC, among others, Sen.

Hontiveros filed amendments, particularly to Sections 5 and 6 of the bill. It amends that CSE will no longer be guided by international standards and that access of minors under 16 to sexual and RH services can only be granted with consent from their parents or guardians.

It saddens me to hear that education is seen as an enemy of parental authority. I have met Filipino children who do not have the luxury of a safe home environment, and this is evident in the cases of domestic abuse and sexual assault of parents and step-parents to their children. Why do we not see that it becomes imperative for the state to interfere and protect children when adults are becoming perpetrators of abuse?

During the first regular session of the 15th Congress, even the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago expressed her dismay that the incidence of teenage pregnancies in the country is increasing. The bill ensures that all children, regardless of their home circumstances, receive the education necessary to thrive without the looming threat of adolescent pregnancy and abuse.

Seeing that it has been long delayed just shows how narrow our general public approaches SexEd, a generic term we use for the instruction and discussion of issues relating to human sexuality. It is still often viewed with cultural and religious sensitivities through the lens of morality and conservatism, but actions of adultery and extrajudicial killings are often rationalized and overlooked.

When our schools primarily focus on the mechanisms of reproduction and neglect the emotional and social dimensions of sexuality, it just often leads to disinterest among our students. This is one of the reasons why age and development-appropriate discussions of human sexuality, informed consent, effective use of contraceptives, prevention of STIs, gender-based violence, and healthy relationships are proposed, ensuring that adolescents can now responsibly navigate their sexual lives. As it would be guided by DepEd and the Council led by the DILG, the local IISDN, and the LGUs, it aims to deliver medically accurate, culturally sensitive, rights-based, and inclusive education.

Not to mention the prevalence of child and adult pornography, many Filipinos are increasingly exposed to distorted and unrealistic representations of sex and relationships, leading to misconceptions and potentially harmful behaviors.

I believe the bill is not merely a legislative measure but a vital step toward creating a more informed, more respectful, and healthier Philippines. It is long overdue, and it is only time for us to reshape the narrative around SexEd in the country.|

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