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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd replaces CSE with 'age-appropriate' reproductive health policy for Filipino students

DepEd replaces CSE with 'age-appropriate' reproductive health policy for Filipino students

Published Sep 6, 2025 06:55 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially phased out Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in favor of a new Reproductive Health Education (RHE) policy
  • Targeting students aged 10 to 19, the program focuses on culturally sensitive, age-appropriate lessons delivered by trained teachers, with active parental involvement to ensure responsible and informed learning
DepEd drops Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and launches a new age-appropriate Reproductive Health Education (RHE) policy for learners aged 10–19, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, gender awareness, and evidence-based instruction. (Photo from DepEd)
DepEd drops Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and launches a new age-appropriate Reproductive Health Education (RHE) policy for learners aged 10–19, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, gender awareness, and evidence-based instruction. (Photo from DepEd)
The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially phased out Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and introduced a new, age-appropriate Reproductive Health Education (RHE) policy for Filipino students.
The announcement was made by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara following President Marcos’ directive to prioritize the welfare of learners.
DepEd Order No. 025, s. 2025 establishes a framework for delivering reproductive health lessons to adolescents aged 10 to 19, starting in Grade 5.
The policy emphasizes culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate instruction, ensuring that students receive guidance suited to their age and maturity.
"Layunin ng bagong polisiya natin na maturuan ang ating mga mag-aaral patungkol sa reproductive health ayon sa kanilang edad (The goal of our new policy is to educate our students about reproductive health in a manner appropriate to their age),” Angara said in a statement.
“We are also emphasizing that the implementation of this new policy will be culturally sensitive and contextually relevant,” he added.
The RHE policy is anchored on Republic Act No. 10354, or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012.
It aims to teach students about health, personal responsibility, and respect in relationships through trained educators.
Teachers will receive continuous professional development and access to adequate resources to ensure competent, sensitive, and evidence-based instruction.
Instructional materials under the new RHE framework will be scientifically accurate, free from myths or misleading information, and designed to promote gender sensitivity. The policy also addresses gender-based violence and other challenges still present in schools.
Parents will be actively engaged through consultations, information campaigns, and capacity-building activities to ensure they are aware of the program’s objectives and content.
"We want to ensure that our adolescent learners are equipped with the right knowledge on RHE. This policy is not just about disseminating information—it is about shaping responsible learners who uphold Filipino cultural values, traditions, and beliefs," Angara added.
Key highlights of DepEd’s new Reproductive Health policy include:
- Replacement of CSE with age-appropriate RHE
- Coverage for learners aged 10 to 19, starting in Grade 5
- Emphasis on cultural sensitivity, gender awareness, and scientifically accurate content
- Teacher training and continuous professional development
- Parental engagement in RHE discussions and activities
This move, DepEd said, signals a shift toward a more contextually relevant and responsible approach to reproductive health education, balancing scientific knowledge with cultural values and adolescent well-being.

Related Tags

DepEd Reproductive Health Education Age-appropriate RHE Philippines DepEd drops CSE Filipino students reproductive health DepEd Order No. 025 s. 2025 Responsible Parenthood Law RHE Culturally sensitive health education
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