MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang will not suspend the implementation of sex education in public schools, but Education Secretary Mona Valisno was ordered to “consult” with Catholic bishops, who are opposing the new subject as it may promote sexual promiscuity among the youth.
Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza issued the statement as members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) have strongly opposed the inclusion of sex education in the teaching modules of the Department of Education (DepEd).
“We have always respected the opinions and the advocacy of the religious, particularly the CBCP, and I think it’s best for the Department of Education to do a consultation before any policy is made on this particular issue,” Mendoza said.
“We always consider their (bishops) opinion and we always advise our department secretaries to do the appropriate coordination and consultations with them,” he said. “The religious had forwarded some reservations so this has to be addressed by the DepEd,” and to “get all sides of the issue.”
Mendoza said the sex module could be revised depending on the consultations with the bishops but as of the moment the teaching of the subject is not put on hold.
He said the Palace will not intervene on the matter unless the situation becomes untenable. He however expressed optimism that education officials and the bishops would come to an understanding.
Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral strongly supported Valisno’s move to implement sex education. Cabral said if she had her way, the subject should be taught as early as kindergarten.
Public school teachers expressed their support for the move of the DepEd to integrate reproductive health education or sex education to the basic education curriculum in public schools.
Emmalyn Policarpio, spokesperson of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), said that public school teachers have seen the need for “sex education” to guide young school children, especially with uncontrolled content on sex and pornography in media and the Internet.
“However, the group asks DepEd to consider suggestions from parents, teachers, the religious sector, and child psychology experts through open consultations to properly implement the program,” Policarpio said. – With reports from Rainier Allan Ronda