If we’re honest, our society sexualizes children from an early age—sexy dances at events, skimpy outfits on noon-time shows, online porn, sexting. In the absence of proper education, all that young people have, in this already hypersexualized world, are unreliable sources for information: peers, myths, or unvetted internet content. For example, myths such as “jumping after sex prevents pregnancy” offer a false sense of security and put young lives at risk.

In light of recent disinformation surrounding Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), Roots of Health reaffirms its commitment to the empowerment and education of Filipino youth. 

False information regarding Comprehensive Sexuality Education, such as claims that CSE hypersexualizes children or that it diminishes parental involvement, undermines its true purpose: to protect young people from harm by enabling them to make informed decisions. The current disinformation campaign attacking CSE, as well as the misconceptions and misunderstandings it deliberately generates, detracts and distracts from the urgent need to address pressing health issues that affect young people such as increasing cases of teenage pregnancy, HIV infection, and sexual abuse.

Let us be clear: Walang dapat ikabahala sa CSE. CSE does not teach or encourage children to engage in sexual activity. Instead, its primary goal is to delay it. CSE empowers young people with credible knowledge to make informed decisions instead of learning through risky experimentation or unreliable sources.

CSE is for all. Education on topics such as bodily autonomy and recognizing inappropriate behavior equips children with essential life skills. Starting these conversations early helps children set personal boundaries, build a foundation of respect for others, and understand how to respond if they experience abuse or predatory behavior. These lessons are age-appropriate, ensuring that children have the right knowledge at the right time.

For older students, CSE addresses myths and misinformation on sex and debunks them with science-based facts, helping the youth critically assess what they hear and make safer choices. Educators trained in science-based methods and pedagogies that consider children’s evolving needs and capacities, can provide the guidance that shields young people from harm. 

CSE respects the family’s role as the primary educator. It does not diminish parents’ authority but serves as a framework to guide open and honest conversations aligned with their family values. Research shows that teenagers make better decisions when they can discuss sensitive topics with trusted adults. The reality is that most parents are not ready to talk to their children about sex apart from a “bastos ‘yan!” or “bawal ‘yan!”. Our own surveys reveal that only 11% of Filipino youth turn to their families for sexual health information.

For many children, especially those in abusive or neglectful households, teachers are the only trusted adults in their lives. This is why schools must play a central role in delivering CSE, ensuring that no child is left behind. 

The Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act (SB 1979) is crucial in implementing CSE. CSE has been mandated by the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act (2012) and Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 31, s.2018. Yet, 12 years later, full implementation remains elusive due to several gaps and challenges in the current system including budget constraints and insufficient teacher training. 

Unlike the existing policies, SB1979: 

• Establishes a comprehensive framework specifically for preventing adolescent pregnancy, recognizing it as a health and development priority; 
• Mandates standardized implementation of age-appropriate CSE across in all schools (public and private), ensuring consistency regardless of school capacity or teacher discretion;
• Provides clearer funding provisions and implementation guidelines to support and monitor policies effectively; 
• Strengthens collaboration among local governments, civil society, communities, and families to address adolescent pregnancy.

The data is clear: CSE reduces teenage pregnancies, reduces maternal and child mortality, improves school retention, and helps young people plan for a better future. We’ve seen this happen in Palawan where we taught 100,000 students and trained 6,500 teachers in CSE in 15 years. Largely because of our education efforts, the teen pregnancy rate in Puerto Princesa has decreased 60%. Let’s do this for the whole country. 

CSE works in that critical window before young people engage in sexual activity. Yes, many young people are not yet sexually active, but most will have sex at some point. They deserve to have the information that will help them care for their mind and bodies; build loving relationships and have children if they choose to and when they are ready; avoid sexually transmitted infections such as HIV; and live healthy and productive lives. Through CSE, educators, parents and the community can guide and empower young people to take care of themselves and direct their lives so they can thrive.  

Without nationwide implementation of CSE and an enabling Teen Pregnancy Prevention Law, we fail to protect millions of young Filipinos from the cycle of poverty, missed opportunities, and HIV. 

We urge President Marcos to reconsider his stance on CSE. “Comprehensive” does not mean just anatomy; It’s not just about preventing pregnancies. It also is about giving every Filipino child the tools to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Support Filipino families by supporting CSE. 

To the Senators who withdrew their co-authorship of SB1979: Please do not be swayed by the pressure of public opinion based on disinformation. The Filipino people are relying on you to stand firm, lead conversations based on facts, and calm this climate of fear among us.  

We call on both houses of Congress to prioritize funding of CSE and passing the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act. We also urge DepEd to train educators and roll out this program nationwide.

Finally, we encourage everyone to gather support for SB1979 and the nationwide implementation of CSE. On social media or in real life, let’s talk to each other, share our experiences on CSE or lack thereof, contribute to the broader discourse on this important issue.  

Let’s not allow disinformation to stall progress. Let’s give our youth the education they deserve and our families the support they need. It’s time to #DefendCSE and build a brighter and healthier future for the Philippines. ###

About Roots of Health
Roots of Health is a Palawan-based non-governmental organization that provides free, rights-based, high-quality sexual and reproductive health education and services. We envision a Philippines where everyone exercises their sexual and reproductive health and rights free from stigma and discrimination.