education Sex Education in the Philippines

[maxiev]

It's about time sex education is taught in High School.

[Doctor Ace]

It's about time sex education is taught in High School.

+1

[cooljay]

walang masama na ituro... level per level nga lang

[razer32123124]

+1

 

+1 rin really helpfull to kids

[dugang]

agahan ibigay ang lesson.mga grade 6 or 7 kung may grade 7 pa

[Edmund Dantes]

Karamihan sa mga babae na nabubuntis ng maaga ay hindi dahil sa kalandian kundi pagiging ignorante. Marami dyan na sobrang relihiyoso magulang pero nabubuntis din anak nila. Dapat kasi habang bata pa, turuan ng kung ano yung mga dapat nilang iwasan. Tulad ng pagkukulong sa isang kwarto kasama ng lalake. Ituro din sa kanila kung kelan dapat sila maging hindi kompurtable pag hinahawakan na ng lalake.

 

Hindi ko alam kung bakit mariin lagi pagtutol ng simbahan dito. Pati din yata sila, ignorante sa totoong dahilan kung pano nabubuntis ang mga minor de edad sa panahon ngayon. BUkod pa dun, ano ba akala nila? Tuturan sila ng ibat ibang kama sutra position?

 

"OK class find your respective partners and today we are gonna practice doing the dog style, reverse cowgirl, and missionary positions",

 

"Please study your homework, tomorrow we will have an Oral quiz"

[dugang]

hindi ganoon ka open minded ang pilipinas. parang nakatira pa rin sa 50's

[Edmund Dantes]

hindi ganoon ka open minded ang pilipinas. parang nakatira pa rin sa 50's

 

Hindi sa pagiging open minded. Talaga ignorante na!

[Guest Dwayne Sanchez.]

we don't embrace this kind of education yet, IMHO

[rainman1980]

Non-existent

[99PercentCaffeine]

Sex Education in the Philippines- The Good, the Bad, and the Really Ugly

 

 

 

 

 

In a predominantly Catholic country, it is a safe assumption to make that citizens are not as open minded about sex as well as any and all of its nuances. It also follows that children are not able to access information on the subject until they become old enough to use resources such as the internet and printed publications.

 

 

 

 

 

Given the present statistics on teenage pregnancy, illegal abortions, and adultery, it is no longer a question of whether or not Sex Education is necessary. In most cases, information is a tool used to formulate opinions and decisions. In the case of sex education, information is the most effective means of sparing youngsters from the perils of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and emotional distress.

 

 

 

 

 

Why is Sex Education So Controversial?

 

 

 

While the Catholic Church is the sector most adamant against instituting sex ed classes in Philippine schools, it is not the only hindrance to taking a step forward. The conservative nature of Filipinos is the most serious hurdle that makes it nearly impossible to pave the way for the effective and purposeful approach to sex education. For a country that still frowns upon pre-marital cohabitation, homosexuality, and divorce, it is not at all surprising that people remain intransigent about the prospect of teaching children about sexual intercourse as well as the responsibilities that come with the act.

 

 

 

Most parents do not allow their children to refer to their sexual organs with anatomical specificity, let alone openly tell them the truth about the birds and the bees Some parents go so far as imposing punishment on their children if/when they ask about sex, which can cause emotional trauma resulting to an aversion towards discussing the merits as well as perils of the act.

 

 

 

 

 

Context

 

Any subject matter taught in public as well as private school systems need to be within the proper context. In this case, sex education must be limited to facts surrounding the biological as well as emotional aspect of the act. The goal of sex education is not to expose children to proclivities or predilections, but allow them to fully understand what the human body goes through when a person engages in intercourse.

 

One of the misconceptions people have about sex ed is that it would essentially be a how-to guide for the enjoyment of sexual intercourse. It must be made clear that Sex ed will be approached using extreme caution and with utmost regard to boundaries. There are certain things children SHOULD NOT know at their young age, i.e. how to properly fellate a guy or how to render the best cunnilingus.

 

 

 

Coverage

 

So what should children really learn from sex education? Such course should include the following subject matters:

 

1. The physiological effects of sex in a man’s and woman’s body

 

2. The purpose of sex (procreation, above everything else)****

 

3. Safety requirements when engaging in sex (condoms for men, effective birth control for women)

 

4. Potential health threats when engaging in unsafe sex (immediate and long term effects of contracting STDs, types of STDs)

 

5. Premarital sex (why is it frowned upon, is it really a bad idea, why do people engage in premarital relations)

 

 

 

Balancing Act

 

An effective Sex Ed program is one that respects and regards the emotional as well as intellectual maturity of children in relation to the type of information they are provided. In my opinion, sex ed should be provided to students in the 6th grade and higher. Providing information that cannot be properly processed, imbibed, and retained will effectively be an exercise in futility.

 

Educators must ensure that the students are capable of understanding the facts, for which they need to use their discretion.

 

 

 

Getting Rid of Judgmental/ Preconceived Notions

 

Parents do tend to shield their children from certain aspects of life, especially those deemed immoral or inappropriate. As a result, kids go out into the world completely clueless, much like chickens running around with their heads cut off. In their attempt to keep their children’s minds “pristine” and “innocent”, parents inadvertently raise young men and women who have absolutely no idea what’s waiting for them in the real world. If it is protection that parents want for their children, they have to be willing to concede a small amount of authority if only to ensure that the next generation does not lose its innocence too soon.

 

Sex education should be geared towards getting rid of erroneous views about sex and the preconceived notion that prevents people, both young and old, from appreciating its beauty as well as the responsibilities that come with it.

 

 

 

Homosexuality and Discrimination

 

While Filipinos like to pretend to be tolerant and accepting, it is a fairly obvious fact that homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgenders remain marginalized and discriminated against. The important corollary to the necessity of sex education is that children also have to understand the nature of homosexuality (as well as other sexual preferences) and why it is important to treat everyone with respect regardless of their sexual preferences.

 

Children need to learn that there is no place for bigotry in this day and age.

 

 

 

TBC....

 

 

 

 

 

****subject to debate and discussion among students once they reach the age of consent (16 y.o. as far as I know. Please correct me if I am wrong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[hit05]

Sex is a natural animal instinct driven by passionate desires rather than by intellectual or educational intent. In the absence of instructions, instincts would guide the animal kingdom to reproduce. Seduction or stimulating the senses and not poor education is the real reason why people lose themselves and take unwanted risks leading to single parenthood. Many (unwanted) pregnancies out of wedlock happen by accident due to the lack of awareness of one's sexuality rather than the lack of idea of sexual biology.

 

Thus the RH Law addresses the wrong issues and will predictably fail to solve the problem of unwanted teenage pregnancies. Forcing sex education to the young is initiating sex topics prematurely. The Catholic Church ought to blame government for the surge in unwanted pregnancies AFTER RH became a national or household issue. The public debate over reproductive health initiated much interests from children and young adults to experiment without realizing that a weak human instinct can lead to a burning desire that is extinguished temporarily by a sexual act. People who feed their desires can suffer addictions, which is a lot more destructive to public health and socio-economic structures. Come to think of it, can the RH Bill inhibit individuals from siring a hundred children from dozens of women like what showbiz politicians do or what some policemen are known for?

[99PercentCaffeine]

Sex Education in the Philippines- The Good, the Bad, and the Really Ugly

 

 

 

 

 

In a predominantly Catholic country, it is a safe assumption to make that citizens are not as open minded about sex as well as any and all of its nuances. It also follows that children are not able to access information on the subject until they become old enough to use resources such as the internet and printed publications.

 

 

 

 

 

Given the present statistics on teenage pregnancy, illegal abortions, and adultery, it is no longer a question of whether or not Sex Education is necessary. In most cases, information is a tool used to formulate opinions and decisions. In the case of sex education, information is the most effective means of sparing youngsters from the perils of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and emotional distress.

 

 

 

 

 

Why is Sex Education So Controversial?

 

 

 

While the Catholic Church is the sector most adamant against instituting sex ed classes in Philippine schools, it is not the only hindrance to taking a step forward. The conservative nature of Filipinos is the most serious hurdle that makes it nearly impossible to pave the way for the effective and purposeful approach to sex education. For a country that still frowns upon pre-marital cohabitation, homosexuality, and divorce, it is not at all surprising that people remain intransigent about the prospect of teaching children about sexual intercourse as well as the responsibilities that come with the act.

 

 

 

Most parents do not allow their children to refer to their sexual organs with anatomical specificity, let alone openly tell them the truth about the birds and the bees Some parents go so far as imposing punishment on their children if/when they ask about sex, which can cause emotional trauma resulting to an aversion towards discussing the merits as well as perils of the act.

 

 

 

 

 

Context

 

Any subject matter taught in public as well as private school systems need to be within the proper context. In this case, sex education must be limited to facts surrounding the biological as well as emotional aspect of the act. The goal of sex education is not to expose children to proclivities or predilections, but allow them to fully understand what the human body goes through when a person engages in intercourse.

 

One of the misconceptions people have about sex ed is that it would essentially be a how-to guide for the enjoyment of sexual intercourse. It must be made clear that Sex ed will be approached using extreme caution and with utmost regard to boundaries. There are certain things children SHOULD NOT know at their young age, i.e. how to properly fellate a guy or how to render the best cunnilingus.

 

 

 

Coverage

 

So what should children really learn from sex education? Such course should include the following subject matters:

 

1. The physiological effects of sex in a man's and woman's body

 

2. The purpose of sex (procreation, above everything else)****

 

3. Safety requirements when engaging in sex (condoms for men, effective birth control for women)

 

4. Potential health threats when engaging in unsafe sex (immediate and long term effects of contracting STDs, types of STDs)

 

5. Premarital sex (why is it frowned upon, is it really a bad idea, why do people engage in premarital relations)

 

 

 

Balancing Act

 

An effective Sex Ed program is one that respects and regards the emotional as well as intellectual maturity of children in relation to the type of information they are provided. In my opinion, sex ed should be provided to students in the 6th grade and higher. Providing information that cannot be properly processed, imbibed, and retained will effectively be an exercise in futility.

 

Educators must ensure that the students are capable of understanding the facts, for which they need to use their discretion.

 

 

 

Getting Rid of Judgmental/ Preconceived Notions

 

Parents do tend to shield their children from certain aspects of life, especially those deemed immoral or inappropriate. As a result, kids go out into the world completely clueless, much like chickens running around with their heads cut off. In their attempt to keep their children's minds "pristine" and "innocent", parents inadvertently raise young men and women who have absolutely no idea what's waiting for them in the real world. If it is protection that parents want for their children, they have to be willing to concede a small amount of authority if only to ensure that the next generation does not lose its innocence too soon.

 

Sex education should be geared towards getting rid of erroneous views about sex and the preconceived notion that prevents people, both young and old, from appreciating its beauty as well as the responsibilities that come with it.

 

 

 

Homosexuality and Discrimination

 

While Filipinos like to pretend to be tolerant and accepting, it is a fairly obvious fact that homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgenders remain marginalized and discriminated against. The important corollary to the necessity of sex education is that children also have to understand the nature of homosexuality (as well as other sexual preferences) and why it is important to treat everyone with respect regardless of their sexual preferences.

 

Children need to learn that there is no place for bigotry in this day and age.

 

 

 

TBC....

 

 

 

 

 

****subject to debate and discussion among students once they reach the age of consent (16 y.o. as far as I know. Please correct me if I am wrong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continued.....

 

 

Why the Church Should Stay Out of It

 

There is no doubt that the church would be up in arms about instituting Sex Ed in Philippine school systems. It is almost funny to think that the Church has no compunction citing Article 2 Section 6 of the Philippine Constitution when it suits its purposes, while completely ignoring it when it is accused of practices that are nothing short of meddlesome if not completely out of line. Just as the government cannot interfere in the manner by which the Catholic Church approach the issue of sex when addressing its congregates, the Church has no right to tell the government or BLAME it in any way, shape, or form, for the increase in unwanted pregnancies, cases of STDs, and illegal abortions.

 

The Church has the obligation to care for its flock's spiritual well being ONLY. The entire institution of Catholicism as well as its clergy gladly climbed their high horse claiming to have moral ascendancy over its subjects. As such, it should leave public policy to those who have been duly chosen by the electorate to perform their duty to the public, including but not limited to:

 

-Providing vital information for anyone who wishes to access it

 

-Allowing for free speech regarding their opinions on sex and how it affects persons, families, and societies.

 

-Allocating sufficient funds that would ensure the free flow of FACTUAL and SCIENTIFIC information.

 

 

When people are succumb to their baser instincts, they become animals. HUMAN INSTINCTS are hardwired for the specific purpose of protecting human beings and ensuring the continuity of the species. There is a lot to be said about the sanctity of life and what it truly means. However, if we now live in a society where the QUALITY of life is no longer a priority, then perhaps sex education is indeed a moot point. Then again, I believe that there are still a few Filipinos who are smart enough to know that knowing is always better than being in the dark. For these people and their children, having the option of learning about sex in a manner that presents all facts without fear of censure or embarrassment, is paramount and denying them of such option is tantamount to depriving them of their right to live the good life.

 

 

 

Relevant Statistics

 

Let's face it. The Philippine Government cannot be trusted to keep up with current statistics. Be it the total cases of illegal abortions, teenage pregnancies, or deaths (of both mothers and infants) resulting fron complications due to undetected birth defects, the government is ill equipped to keep records straight. So there is no definitive and irrefutable evidence that the cases of rape/unwanted pregnancies, and other problems that supposedly have arisen due to the RH BILL or the PROSPECT of Sex Ed are all due to the government's initiative.

 

Children will always be curious. That is how they learn. There is no helping this unless someone figures out a way to rewire the human brain during its infancy. The fact of the matter is, children will be curious about sex at some point. De-mystifying the subject may not guarantee excellent results, but it is a hell of a lot better than leaving children in the dark just so parents can stick their heads in the sand longer. Pretending there is no problem is never a viable solution. It did not work when the Nazis invaded Poland and it will not work with our problem now.

 

 

 

Educating the Educators

 

You cannot teach what you do not know. When duly elected legislators finally get their act together, they should put safeguards so that children are taught only be competent teachers. Sex Education entails a remarkable sense of responsibility and not every teacher has the right mindset nor temperament for it. Comprehensive training as a sex educator must be a pre-requisite for anyone who wish to become a designated mentor for this subject matter. In order to eliminate (or at least diminish) the possibility of impropriety, whether deliberate or inadvertent, female students are to be taught by female teachers and male teachers are to be in charge of the boys.

 

Should there be any type of inappropriate behavior by teachers during sex ed classes, whether through declarations, judgement, or actions, the offenders must be investigated post-haste and if found guilty should be stripped of their license and thrown in jail for no less than 20 years/ Teachers are the surrogate parents when children are at school and those who do not understand this or abide by the implied and explicit responsibilities must not be allowed to remain as educators.

 

 

Teachers are human beings too and as such they have their own misgivings, pre-conceived notions, and erroneous assumptions about sex. Some of them are even intractable. Comprehensive training would weed out those who are not up for the job.

 

 

 

TBC....?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[99PercentCaffeine]

Sorry for the typos. Edited version...

 

 

Why the Church Should Stay Out of It

 

There is no doubt that the church would be up in arms about instituting Sex Ed in Philippine school systems. It is almost funny to think that the Church has no compunction citing Article 2 Section 6 of the Philippine Constitution when it suits its purposes, while completely ignoring it when it is accused of practices that are nothing short of meddlesome if not completely out of line. Just as the government cannot interfere in the manner by which the Catholic Church approach the issue of sex when addressing its congregates, the Church has no right to tell the government or BLAME it in any way, shape, or form, for the increase in unwanted pregnancies, cases of STDs, and illegal abortions.

 

The Church has the obligation to care for its flock's spiritual well being ONLY. The entire institution of Catholicism as well as its clergy gladly climbed their high horse claiming to have moral ascendancy over its subjects. As such, it should leave public policy to those who have been duly chosen by the electorate to perform their duty to the public, including but not limited to:

 

-Providing vital information for anyone who wishes to access it

 

-Allowing for free speech regarding their opinions on sex and how it affects persons, families, and societies.

 

-Allocating sufficient funds that would ensure the free flow of FACTUAL and SCIENTIFIC information.

 

 

When people succumb to their baser instincts, they become animals. HUMAN INSTINCTS are hardwired for the specific purpose of protecting human beings and ensuring the continuity of the species. There is a lot to be said about the sanctity of life and what it truly means. However, if we now live in a society where the QUALITY of life is no longer a priority, then perhaps sex education is indeed a moot point. Then again, I believe that there are still a few Filipinos who are smart enough to know that knowing is always better than being in the dark. For these people and their children, having the option of learning about sex in a manner that presents all facts without fear of censure or embarrassment, is paramount and denying them of such option is tantamount to depriving them of their right to live the good life.

 

 

 

Relevant Statistics

 

Let's face it. The Philippine Government cannot be trusted to keep up with current statistics. Be it the total cases of illegal abortions, teenage pregnancies, or deaths (of both mothers and infants) resulting from complications due to undetected birth defects, the government is ill equipped to keep records straight. So there is no definitive and irrefutable evidence that the cases of rape/unwanted pregnancies, and other problems that supposedly have arisen due to the RH BILL or the PROSPECT of Sex Ed are all due to the government's initiative.

 

Children will always be curious. That is how they learn. There is no helping this unless someone figures out a way to rewire the human brain during its infancy. The fact of the matter is, children will be curious about sex at some point. De-mystifying the subject may not guarantee excellent or favorable results at all times, but it is a hell of a lot better than leaving children in the dark just so parents can stick their heads in the sand longer. Pretending there is no problem is never a viable solution. It did not work when the Nazis invaded Poland and it will not work with our problem now.

 

 

 

Educating the Educators

 

You cannot teach what you do not know. When duly elected legislators finally get their act together, they should put safeguards so that children are taught only by competent teachers. Sex Education entails a remarkable sense of responsibility and not every teacher has the right mindset nor temperament for it. Comprehensive training as a sex educator must be a pre-requisite for anyone who wish to become a designated mentor in this subject matter. In order to eliminate (or at least diminish) the possibility of impropriety, whether deliberate or inadvertent, female students are to be taught by female teachers and male teachers are to be in charge of the boys.

 

Should there be any type of inappropriate behavior by teachers during sex ed classes, whether through declarations, judgement, or actions, the offenders must be investigated post-haste and, if found guilty, should be stripped of their license and thrown in jail for no less than 20 years. Teachers are the surrogate parents when children are at school and those who do not understand this or abide by the implied and explicit responsibilities must not be allowed to remain as educators.

 

 

Teachers are human beings too and as such they have their own misgivings, pre-conceived notions, and erroneous assumptions about sex. Some of them are even intractable. Comprehensive training would weed out those who are not up for the job.

 

 

 

TBC....

[hit05]

Sex education can be promoted in information driven society. If there is a health issue then the access to correct information must be free and accessible. Perhaps this can be rightfully included among the items in the Freedom of Information. Websites nowadays offer free self-help interactive guides and Filipinos can tap this resource by formal cooperation rather than starting from scratch. Since Filipinos are poor, then media companies can ask for sponsors to extend good information to the public on a case to case, on-demand type and not forcefully.

 

I remember we got a local Sesame Street program before. Since the TV is now interactive and played on demand, not far from the capability of the PC, I suppose we can just pick the most appropriate programs available worldwide and adapt it to our culture and language. Such adaptations are already bridging the gap in language and culture that allows Korean telenovela or Japanese Anime casts surprising popularity among Filipinos; or Freddie Aguilar a hit in Japan, etc.

 

The fact is the RH Bill was not even an issue created by Filipino citizens before congress but a way to justify the unofficial purchase of condoms made for another market. The posts on this thread topic betray the lack of clear goals and principles behind the new RH Law. It was approved into Law and a huge budget had been appropriated, but its mission is still debatable to date.

 

 

 

Filipinos need not be proficient in SEX. They got no problem with reproductive health - proof is the high population growth rate. Exposure of children to sex at an early age is the problem. Their innocence is under attacked by media and a culture that adores the bad example of its leaders. The traditional and classic family values are challenged by the prolific extension of family by Ramon Revilla or the no frills female liberation platform by Kris Aquino. Once children lose their innocence in these matters, the risk of waywardness is going to be high. In contrast, children who are more focused and striving for excellence won't have time for these things, reason why first world countries have high productivities and less time for sex.

 

Our government is mistaken to promote sex education when the priority of educational institutions got to be excellence and productivity instead.