The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, Jan. 15, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the well-being of Filipino youth by strengthening the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools.
In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the importance of having comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) that would help equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their health and relationships.
“We stand at a critical time in our commitment to the health and well-being of our youth,” Angara said.
DepEd issued the statement following concerns raised about the proposed implementation of the CSE Program.
On Jan. 8, the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution (NCFC) expressed concerns about the CSE program, as well as the provisions of Senate Bill (SB) 1979 or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023.
According to NCFC, the CSE is a “direct threat to these [moral, societal, and spiritual] values.”
“By introducing explicit, inappropriate, and harmful content, CSE risks sexualizing our children and undermining parental rights,” the NCFC said.
Angara said that DepEd acknowledges the “concerns” regarding the current implementation of CSE and the provisions in SB 1979.
Multi-sectoral approach
Angara noted that DepEd recognizes its role in “shaping life skills, values, and behaviors,” especially among Filipino youth.
“Nakatuon kami sa datos sa likod ng bawat polisiya (We focus on the data behind every policy),” Angara said.
These policies, Angara explained, include addressing the challenges faced by Filipino youth, such as teenage pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and gender-based violence.
“Sinisiguro ng Kagawaran na ang aming mga hakbang ay tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga mag-aaral, lalo na kung paano sila makitungo sa kanilang sarili at sa isa't isa (The Department ensures that our actions address the needs of our students, especially in how they relate to themselves and to one another),” he added.
Angara pointed out that the efforts to address the challenges faced by Filipino youth require a “multi-sectoral approach.”
Before he was appointed DepEd Secretary, Angara served as Chair of the Youth Committee when he was a Senator. “We took proactive steps to address the alarming rise in teenage pregnancy,” he said.
Angara noted that, along with fellow senators, they filed a resolution aimed at adopting a whole-of-government approach to develop a comprehensive policy framework.
“This framework seeks to prevent early childbearing and mitigate its negative consequences, such as school dropouts, and ensure the welfare and future of our youth,” he explained.
On SB 1979, Angara clarified, “I have not filed any version of this.”
He noted that he was included as a co-author because, at the time the committee report was filed, he was the Chair of the Finance Committee, and the bill included a section on appropriation.
Important journey
Recognizing the importance of the existing and emerging challenges facing Filipino youth, Angara said DepEd is open to suggestions from stakeholders.
“Nakikinig kami—noon bilang Senador at hanggang ngayon bilang inyong Kalihim ("We have been listening—first as Senator and now as your Secretary),” Angara said.
“Bukas ang pintuan ng DepEd para sa inyong pahayag at mungkahi, lalo na kung may tiyak na detalye (The door of DepEd is open to your statements and suggestions, especially if they include specific details),” he added.
Angara noted that DepEd, as an implementing agency, follows legislative developments that might “impact” its policies.
“Sinisiguro natin na balanse ang ating pananaw at pagpapatupad (We ensure that our perspective and implementation are balanced),” Angara said.
DepEd, he assured, is actively collaborating with various stakeholders—including health service providers and community organizations—to “ensure that our programs are effective and culturally sensitive.”
“Our efforts include exploring models from our communities and other countries,” Angara stressed.
Angara also assured that whatever path DepEd takes, the active participation of parents in the learning of students would remain a priority.
“We invite all parties to work alongside us as we navigate this important journey,” Angara said. “Together, we can create an environment that fosters understanding, respect, and our youth's well-being,” he added.