Rising teen pregnancies and HIV cases among Filipinos spark calls for comprehensive sex education, but is the country prepared for such a shift in educational approach?
In a nationwide survey conducted in March, 73% of respondents agreed on the importance of teaching comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in schools, indicating a growing openness among Filipinos to this critical approach to preventing unintended teen pregnancies and reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
The survey, conducted by Pulse Asia and commissioned by the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), was released last week. However, the survey did not reveal the exact number of undecided respondents.
Despite this growing acceptance, the Philippines faces rising rates of teen pregnancies and HIV infections. Births among girls aged 10 to 14 increased from 2,411 in 2019 to 3,343 last year, with most fathers of these babies being older men. HIV cases have more than quintupled since 2010, with an estimated 252,800 Filipinos living with HIV in 2025, according to the World Health Organization.
The survey results come amidst persistent opposition from religious groups and conservative lawmakers, particularly in a predominantly Catholic country. This opposition, fueled by misinformation, has sought to derail related legislation and spread misconceptions about CSE.
Advocates and international organizations like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) emphasize the importance of safeguards such as quality monitoring, age-appropriateness, teacher training, parent engagement, and youth participation to ensure effective implementation of CSE.
Opponents often frame CSE negatively, spreading false claims such as that it encourages childhood masturbation or immoral behavior. However, these claims contradict overwhelming evidence and expert consensus that CSE promotes respect, consent, equality, and informed decision-making.
The survey did not provide any data on the religious affiliations of the respondents or mention any specific curriculum for comprehensive sexuality education. It is clear, however, that the strong public and expert backing for CSE contrasts with entrenched opposition, against the backdrop of worsening sexual health outcomes among youth in the Philippines.
Just 13% of respondents disagreed with teaching CSE in schools, suggesting a significant shift in public opinion. This critical moment in the Philippines underscores the urgency of implementing effective sexuality education to address the rising rates of teen pregnancies and HIV infections.
- The increasing acceptance of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in the Philippines highlights the significance of incorporating health-and-wellness and mental-health curriculum in education-and-self-development programs.
- Contrary to misleading claims, teaching CSE does not encourage childhood masturbation or immoral behavior but promotes respect, consent, equality, and informed decision-making, key aspects of overall personal health.
- Despite the growing understanding of the importance of sexual-health education, it's crucial that any CSE program encompasses quality monitoring, age-appropriateness, teacher training, parent engagement, and youth participation to ensure effectiveness.
- Amidst worsening sexual health outcomes among Filipino youth, such as rising rates of teen pregnancies and HIV infections, there is a pressing need to prioritize the implementation of CSE in schools nationwide.
