Even before it is conducted, the proposed study on the supposed growing number of individuals who enjoy singledom drew flak from the netizens.
“Seriously, they need to study this?,” said Rhon Rhon Man in his comment posted on the Manila Bulletin’s Facebook Page.
Another netizen, Jean Gloria who felt slighted by the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) plan wrote on the MB page, “It’s okay at least di kami dadagdag sa overpopulation ng Pinas at failed marriages.(It’s okay at least we will not contribute to the overpopulation in the Philippines and failed marriages.) "You should worry more about very young pregnancies as early as 10,” she added.
Mhel de Guzman- Macaroon, who is married, cannot help, but asked, “Issue ba ang pagiging single in mid-30s? (Is it an issue if you’re single in your mid-30s?).”
“Channel your focus more on a meaningful study that can help to address some of the current pressing issues,” she continued.
“What a waste of time and resources!,” another commenter, Cheryl Occasion said.
During the seventh KTOP-COVID (Kapakanan ng Tao sa Oras ng Pandemya – COVID) webinar series “The Stories of Filipino Pregnant Teenagers and Teenage Mothers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis” held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña proposed to the National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP), a collegial body of highly-trained and productive scientists and researchers, to conduct a study on single individuals "who are already late beyond marrying age.”
De la Peña’s proposal also did not sit well with readers Jennifer Sab-a and Joie Ricafort Dianzon.
“Nanahimik kami wag nyo na kaming atupagin kasi masaya naman kami sa buhay, (Leave us in peace, don’t mind us because we are happy with our life) ” Sab-a said.
Dianzon agreed with Jennifer, by saying “Leave us alone.”
But,Ghian Karlo Gutierrez welcomed the proposed study with sarcasm. “OMG pag-aralan nyo kami. Sige, game. Dali! Tingnan natin ang galing nyo. (Pursue your study. Come on, game. Quick!Let us see how good you are.)