73% of Filipinos support sex education in schools – Pulse Asia

Zion Mhar Kaezer Corpuz

Seventy-three percent of Filipinos back age-appropriate and culturally sensitive designed sex education in schools, based on Pulse Asia’s recent release of the Ulat ng Bayan Survey conducted on March 23-29.

In the survey, which was commissioned by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), respondents were asked their stance on the statement: “It is important to teach concepts of sexuality, sexual health, and family planning in schools in an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive manner to help students make responsible and informed choices.”

The majority of the respondents approved of the statement, while 13 percent disagreed and 14 percent were undecided.

“We should not underestimate the importance Filipinos place on children receiving accurate information to help protect themselves from abuse, unwanted and early pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV,” Au Quilala, the Executive Director of PLCPD, said in a press release by the organization.

Quilala stressed the importance of adult supervision at home and in schools in tackling comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), discouraging learning on social media due to its rampant status for clickbait and fake information.

Data from the University of the Philippines Population Institute revealed that 44 percent of young Filipino females and 39 percent of young Filipino males do not have access to resources about sex.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – Philippines welcomes the positive public outlook on CSE, emphasizing the need for safeguards on its implementation in schools. 

“Comprehensive Sexuality Education is critical in preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and combating gender-based violence. It fosters a culture of respect, consent, and equality,” the organization released.

Advocates have long pushed for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as part of the K to 12 curriculum, but its rollout has faced delays due to political, cultural, and religious opposition.