As we grow, we accumulate knowledge and experiences over the years. We live here in the real world with real battles and we need protection to fight against it. In this current regime, as a popular Filipino saying goes, “lamang ang may alam” will survive in this world. It depicts that education is a dominant tool against foolishness. Education can eradicate our major concerns and disputes.
Moreover, sex education is essentially education about sexuality, contraceptive methods (condoms, drugs or surgery), how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, the importance of protection and last but not least, attitudes and principles about sex. It can also result in unwanted pregnancy where it is one of our country’s major issue. Sex education can lead teenagers to further understanding about how to make their choices right. Teenagers need information and the right sources to help and protect themselves to possible risks. Recent studies and statistics show the following findings:
- According to a report by the joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS, 170% of the HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region, is expanding fastest in the Philippines.
- In July 2019, the DOH reported, an average of 40 newly diagnosed cases per day compared to just 7 daily reported cases in 2011. Also, since 1984, 66,303 confirmed HIV cases in the country. 18,831 or 28% were among youth (15-24 years old)
- Infection with HIV/AIDS is the fourth leading cause of mortality in the world. Currently, most (29.4 million) of the 42 million people globally who are infected with HIV are concentrated in Africa, but epidemics elsewhere in the world are growing rapidly. Prevalence is increasing most swiftly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (UNAIDS/WHO 2002).
To further understand why sex education must be implemented because of the following reasons and benefits:
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- Reduce the teen pregnancy rate. The majority of the teenage girls gave up schooling because of early pregnancy and excludes them from possible opportunities. . Sex education with the schools will aid to permit young women to maximize their capabilities. Through raising awareness, educated Filipino women will be very efficient, trusted and responsible citizens that can change the world.
- Reduces the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS. Most people infected with HIV do not know they are infected, making prevention and control difficult. Through sex education, It can diminish unprotected intercourse. School-based concepts will aim to minimize high-risk of unwanted sexual behaviors. It can teach the students how HIV is transmitted, promote safe sex behaviors and ideas, and provide training seminars to overcome possible concerns related to sex.
- It acquires information about sex from the right sources. Since we are in the modern era, teenagers usually gather information from the media where it can only give danger. The teachers are the key prospects for they are well informed about the matter and to personally engage with young people.
- It protects children/ teenagers’ rights and welfare. Currently, the Philippines faces the rapid growth of child sexual abuse, rape cases, and early pregnancies that the government authorities did not give too much attention to what has been cruelly done to them. Implementing sex education into schools can decrease the rate of child sexual abuse and the availability of sex education can also offer help and guidance to children with learning disabilities as they go through puberty. Fortunately, Children and teenagers would be more aware of the current situation in this modern society and they would know the actions to be taken if necessary.
- It decreases the high suicidal rates of teenagers. Due to lack of information and guidance, committing suicide is the common escape of teenagers who have sexually transmitted diseases, been sexually abused and had an early pregnancy. Sex education should be implemented to let these teenagers see that they are not alone in their battles for ending your own life is against God’s laws.
Even though the government knew these matters, why they can’t implement sex education in schools as part of the curriculum? In my perspective, it is because it is taboo, too malicious since it is a very sensitive topic. The Philippines is a Christian country and from our ancestors up until now, we adapted their conservative trait that we’re known for.
If the government will not enact sex education in schools, it will be a question for the teenagers that “why condoms are given for free rather than pads?” since sex is a choice but menstruation isn’t. Young girls without money are suffering out there. If no sex education, what will happen to us? What will be the future of our country? Are we going to break Rizal’s famous saying ‘ang kabataan ang pagasa ng bayan’? If we do not take action now, when?
Let’s lessen the number of foolish Filipinos now because we are needed by our dear Motherland.
Sex education must be taught in Grade 10 until college because it helps young people to be more prepared for life changes such as puberty, menopause, and aging. It can enhance skills and self-esteem for the students who enter adolescence. Young people can also learn to appreciate and recognize their sex. It delivers confidence in them to value themselves and others. Sex education helps them understand and learn to enjoy their sexuality, behave responsibly within their sexual and personal relationships.
Youngsters are usually very curious to know all new things that came up to them especially abstract things such as sex. Despite that, sex education plays a major role in addressing concerns, correcting the misunderstandings, learning to make decisions that respect themselves and others so that these young people will be more matured, responsible and social ills can also be reduced.
In conclusion, we must realize the importance of sex education to ensure the students that are our future generations will be well prepared to stand up against all the unexpected obstacles in their future. As educated people, this must be started within us. Voice out! Spread awareness for this is highly recommended for this generation now. Let’s remember Nelson Mandela’s quote for our youth, “a good deed brightens a dark world.”
