DepEd addresses concerns on CSE program
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency ensures its policies are data-driven, emphasizing that DepEd’s programs aim to address challenges faced by the youth, such as teenage pregnancy, HIV, and gender-based violence.
“We acknowledge the concerns regarding the current implementation of our Comprehensive Sexuality Education and the provisions in SBN 1979, the Teenage Pregnancy Bill,” Angara said on Wednesday.
“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,” he emphasized.
(The Department ensures that our measures address the needs of our students, particularly in guiding them on how to interact with themselves and with others.)
Angara’s statement followed opposition from the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution (NCFC), which criticized the CSE program and the provisions of Senate Bill 1979 for introducing “inappropriate content.”
Article continues after this advertisement“Comprehensive Sexuality Education, as it stands, is a direct threat to these values. By introducing explicit, inappropriate, and harmful content, CSE risks sexualizing our children and undermining parental rights,” NCFC said in a statement on January 8.
Article continues after this advertisementNCFC’s online petition under the Project Dalisay initiative likewise claimed that CSE and Senate Bill 1979 conflict with the core values upheld by many Filipino families, particularly those of Christian and Islamic faiths.
“The program introduces concepts like “gender fluidity” and “sexual diversity,” suggesting that people can choose their sexual identity beyond the binary of male and female,” NCFC said.
“It also emphasizes sexual rights, which could be interpreted as encouraging early sexual activity, and includes discussions on contraception, abortion, and non-traditional relationships,” the family rights group added.
Meanwhile, the Senate Bill 1979 proposes integrating CSE into the national curriculum across schools nationwide, which the NCFC argued lacks sufficient consultation with parents and guardians.
With this, Angara reassured the public that the DepEd remains open to feedback and suggestions.
“As an implementing agency, we follow legislative developments that might impact our policies. Sinisiguro natin na balanse ang ating pananaw at pagpapatupad,” the DepEd chief underscored.
(As an implementing agency, we follow legislative developments that might impact our policies. We ensure that our perspective and implementation remain balanced.)
Angara also emphasized the agency’s collaboration with stakeholders, including health service providers and community organizations, to ensure programs are “effective and culturally sensitive.”
He likewise clarified that he did not file any version of the CSE or the Senate Bill 1979.
“I would like to clarify that I have not filed any version of this. I was included as a co-author because, at the time the committee report was filed, I was the Chair of the Finance Committee, and the bill includes a section on appropriation,” the former senator explained.
Angara called on all parties to work with the DepEd to create an environment that promotes understanding, respect, and the well-being of the youth.“Ano man ang aming tahak, naniniwala kami sa aktibong pakikilahok ng mga magulang sa pagkatuto ng ating mga mag-aaral,” he concluded.
(Whatever path we take, we believe in the active involvement of parents in the learning journey of our students.)
