Why I stand and agree of implementing mandatory Sex Education - A concerned citizen's opinion


The Philippines is one of the country with most teenage pregnancy rates in the world causing massive issues within the country, troubling the government. Girls aged 10 to 14 rose from 2,411 in 2019 to 3,343 in 2023 alone. A 6.6 percent increase based on Philippine Statistics Authority data. In addition, the danger of Human immunodefieciency Virus (HIV) also affects the lives of every teenager if not exposed to proper sex education. According to reports, Nearly half of the new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections reported in the Philippines last year were among the youth, according to the Department of Health (DOH). This highlights the vulnerability of the Filipino youth to HIV and called for intensified efforts in prevention, education, and awareness programs to curb the increasing numbers. 


Are we doing enough to lessen the said issue?

The main problem is that, the people in the senate are "narrow minded" to realize the skyrocketing issue. Even some of the running senators for incoming senatorial elections are not in favor of the implementation of mandatory Sex Education. Additionally, one of the biggest obstacle that Filipino youth faces is the lack of proper knowledge regarding sex, their bodies, and the reproductive helath of humans. Unfortunately, there are regions in the Philippines that faces educational problmes such as lack of access to basic education, scientific based information. Many parents and schools avoid talking about sex as they normally sees the topic to be sensitive, immoral and a taboo which leaves young people to be confused, misinformed and vulnerable. Many young filipinos do not fully understand how pregnancy occurs, how sexually transmitted infections like HIV can be spread, or what consent truly means. Some even believe common myths, such as thinking you can’t get pregnant during your period or that contraception is only for married couples. Without proper sex education, it can lead to serious consequences. For instance, people are left to figure it out themselves which leads to teenage pregnancy. 


Taboo and the Church: A Great Hurdle to Sex Education in the Philippines

In the Philippines, sex often seen as a private or even shameful topic, especially when discussed openly among young people. Many families avoid the topic altogether, thinking that talking about sex will "encourage" kids to become sexually active. This silence creates a culture of embarrassment, fear, and misinformation. The Catholic Church plays a crucal role on influencing moral and educational values in the Philippines, where over 80% of the population identifies as Catholic. The Church traditionally teaches abstinence until marriage and often opposes programs that discuss contraception, safe sex, or reproductive rights. This leads to teenage pregnancy, HIV, and sexual abuse are increasing. Many teens are sexually active but uneducated about their own health and rights. Without factual, science-based sex education, youth are left vulnerable—even when they are trying to make the right choices. 

A proper education will surely shape our society and future citizens The Philippines needs sex education not to encourage early sexual activity, but to equip the youth with knowledge, safety, and self-respect. It's about empowering them to make informed, responsible decisions in a complex world.