DESPITE strong opposition from the Catholic Church, the Department of Education (DepEd) is pushing through with the pilot testing of sex education in elementary and secondary public schools, aiming to prevent premarital sex and educate the youth about sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The Varsitarian asks some Thomasians for their opinions on this controversial issue.
What is your stand on sex education in public schools?
Personally, I agree with its implementation in public schools. I believe sex education would be beneficial. It can reduce the number of early pregnancy cases in the country. – Jan Vincent Arafiles, third year, Biochemistry
It is not right to teach sex education in public schools because it would only intensify the curiosity of the youth about sex. – Dennis Bryan Gabuat, Security Guard
It is necessary that everybody should be informed about the nature of sex, including its morality. The government should really take steps to enlighten the society about sex. – Vincent Aljon Cifra, fourth year, Philosophy
I don’t agree because it contradicts tradition, culture, and religion. – Caren Maxine Bernabe, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management alumna
I agree with the implementation because it will control the increasing population in the Philippines, and hopefully, lessen the cases of poverty in the country. – Virgilio Pascual, fourth-year, Medical Technology
The youth don’t have to learn [sex] in school. As long as you know what is right and what is wrong, that is more than enough. – Edna Sanchez, Institute of Physical Education and Athletics professor
I agree with its implementation because lack of awareness on [sex] will just lead to the youth engaging in premarital sex. – Ivan Valencia, fifth year, Architecture
What would be the effects of sex education on the youth and our society?
If DepEd will implement it, young people can distinguish right from wrong. However, out of curiosity, they will tend to be experimental and try doing the act. – Franz Geronimo, Central Student Council treasurer
They [youth] could obtain adequate knowledge about sex even at an early age. Knowing what is right from wrong at an early age could eventually lead them to refrain from engaging in premarital sex. – Hector Balagtas, property custodian
Since it increases the youth’s awareness about sex, then cases of unwanted pregnancy will decrease. – Jeric Fortuna, third year, Marketing Management
Educating children about sex will have both its pros and cons. It could have a good effect in the sense that it would make the youth more aware and prevent the occurrence of pre-marital sex. It could also have a bad effect to the point that it would make kids more curious and try engaging in a sexual act. – Felucci Clarice Asuncion, fourth year, Communication Arts
It would change the society because the youth will become more liberated. – Leandro Santos II, Central Student Council President
