DOH to lovers: Be discreet on Valentine’s Day

MANILA, Philippines - Lovers are urged to be  discreet on Valentine’s Day and to be alert when going on a cruise in Manila Bay.

Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said partners must be responsible when it comes to sex.

“First and foremost, adults should know that they don’t just have sex for curiosity,” he said. “There’s a right time for that and one can always delay their initiation into sex.”

Coast Guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo warned couples that they might accidentally fall overboard while on a cruise in Manila Bay on Valentine’s Day.

A cruise usually lasts only two hours, and they do not go beyond the bay’s breakwater, he added.

Tayag said engaging in casual or multiple sex is risky.

“Our message is that always remember the risk posed by engaging in casual or multiple sex,” he said. “They will be at risk of sexually-transmitted infection and HIV, particularly.” 

Tayag said if having sex could not be avoided, couples must  use condoms to protect themselves. 

“Use condoms because it is one way of showing how responsible we are as adults,” he said.

Tayag urged motels to screen their clients so minors would not be allowed on the premises.

“I hope they could counsel them about what they should do,” he said.

Tayag said motels and similar establishments can provide their patrons with condoms   on Valentine’s Day.

“Why don’t they offer them condoms for free, unlimited,” he said.

Balilo said many couples have been observed to go on short cruises or on privately-owned yachts in Manila Bay on Valentine’s Day.

Musicians would play love songs while they are having dinner with candlelight to set to romantic mood, he added. Balilo said a 12-man Coast Guard detachment at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex is ready to respond to any untoward incident.– With Evelyn Macairan