The Department of Education (DepEd) acknowledged the concerns related to the implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and the provisions included in SBN 1979, or the Teenage Pregnancy Bill.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s official statement on Wednesday affirmed the agency’s role in shaping the students’ life skills, values, and behaviors. Angara also affirmed their commitment to the youth’s health and well-being.
“Kabilang na dito ang pinagdadaanan ng ating kabataan kagaya ng teenage pregnancy, HIV, at gender-based violence. Sinisiguro ng kagawaran na ang aming mga hakbang ay tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga mag-aaral, lalo na kung paano sila makitungo sa kanilang sarili at sa isa’t isa,” Angara’s statement read.
As the Chair of the Senate’s Youth Committee, Angara stated that the efforts require a multi-sectoral approach.
To address some problems the youth are facing, Angara mentioned that they filed a resolution at the Senate aimed at adopting a whole-of-government approach to develop a comprehensive policy framework. The framework includes the prevention of early childbearing and mitigating its negative consequences, like school dropouts, and ensuring the welfare and future of the youth.
Although Angara acknowledges the criticisms on both provisions, he clarified that he did not file any version related to the matter; adding that he was included as co-author at the time of the committee report’s filing because he was the Chair of the Finance Committee, and that the bill included a section on appropriation.
“Nakikinig kami—noon bilang Senador at hanggang ngayon bilang inyong Kalihim. Bukas ang pintuan ng DepEd para sa inyong pahayag at mungkahi, lalo na kung may tiyak na detalye. As an implementing agency, we follow legislative developments that might impact our policies,” he said.
“Sinisiguro natin na balanse ang ating pananaw at pagpapatupad. We are actively collaborating with various stakeholders, including health service providers and community organizations, to ensure that our programs are effective and culturally sensitive,” he added.
“Our efforts include exploring models from our communities and other countries,” it continued.
On Tuesday, Angara shared through his X account that the agency will not accept inappropriate concepts being taught in schools and will abide by the law.
Getting a lot of messages about CSE/comp. Sexuality education-relating to a video going viral now. Rest assured we will not accept inappropriate concepts being taught in our schools. We will abide by what the law states. Misgivings about any bills r best shared w our legislators
— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) January 14, 2025
“Together, we can create an environment that fosters understanding, respect, and our youth’s well-being. We invite all parties to work alongside us as we navigate this important journey,” Angara ended.
Under the CSE, students will be taught curriculum-based processes related to the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality.
The DepEd order No. 031, s. 2018 said that it aims to empower learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to realize their health, well-being, and dignity, helping them develop critical thinking and intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.
