“It’s the lack of this kind of open and honest education about sex that causes so many kids to grow up with sexual hang-ups.” – Johnny Carson
DepEd Order No. 031, s. 2018 entitled “Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education” states that DepEd is committed to providing and protecting the rights of Filipino learners to good education and improved health and to help Filipino learners complete basic education without the burden of health concerns. It also recognizes the roles and responsibilities of the school system to give learners their right to good health by leading the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE).
Many questions about this are still not being answered. How prepared are Filipino children to incorporate CSE directly into their lessons? Where do I begin? How do I begin?
Before we define the answer to these let us first focus on and justify the reality that exists in our society. Isn’t it true that the number of young people who are among those who have experienced victimization and violence continues to increase? Information is also widespread especially on the internet where they see, read, and hear these controversial issues that are not even properly explained at home or school. Because of their natural curiosity, what they find in them leads to unpleasant activities. I know you will agree so why don’t we solve such things. They should be helped to educate themselves on the fact that CSE is part of learning. There is nothing wrong with discussing it as long as it is in the right place and situation such as home and school. Here we can directly teach them how to handle situations with this theme. We can awaken them to the right thoughts and decisions.
In this way, they no longer have to look for an answer secretly but they will be part of the solution in case there are obstacles in responding to a situation. It will also provide an opportunity for children and adults to have an independent discussion about their point of view on an issue and it will help them to come up with the most appropriate mindset. It is nice to see and think that this will happen in the future if everyone under the leadership of the teachers will give a corresponding opportunity so that this goal of DepEd can be a big step to help the Filipino youth. We can build a solid foundation of students who are mentally fit, strong in belief, and have high morale in the matter of Sexual Education. And in the long run and easily they will be the emerging generation that will be our bridge so that those who come young will be smarter and wiser.
By: Lani O. Ching, Teacher I, OUR LADY OF LOURDES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
