TACLOBAN CITY-The implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Philippine schools has sparked ongoing debates among parents, church leaders, advocacy groups, and government agencies. While the Department of Education (DepEd) maintains that the program aims to teach students about responsible sexual behavior, gender identity, and protection from sexual violence, critics argue that discussions on sexuality should primarily be handled within the family.

For Cynthia Agner, a 46-year-old mother and public school teacher, the sensitive nature of the subject makes it a family responsibility rather than a school matter.

“I am not in favor of this sensitive issue being discussed first by people outside the family. There should be a collaborative effort between the family, health sector, and the government,” Agner told Leyte Samar Daily Express.

Similarly, Jing Rey Henderson, a mother and church worker, believes that parents should be the first educators when it comes to sexuality.

“Basic education on gender identity and sex should be handled first by parents. Even if it is for academic purposes, teachers should not take on this responsibility,” she argued.
Henderson also criticized the current implementation of CSE in schools, claiming that some teachers rely too much on modules, allowing students to interpret topics like virginity and safe sex on their own.

“This should not be. You don’t discuss sex in public unless we are adults,” she added.
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), representing over 1,525 Catholic schools nationwide, has also expressed concerns, advocating for a more flexible approach to sexuality education.

“A one-size-fits-all curriculum may not address the diversity of the nation’s schools in terms of institutional, religious, and cultural contexts,” CEAP stated.

While the organization acknowledges the goal of preventing teenage pregnancies, it warned of potential overlaps with existing laws, such as Republic Act 10354 (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act); Republic Act 9710 (Magna Carta of Women).

“Any reproductive health education program should allow flexibility, ensuring that schools can integrate faith-based perspectives while addressing students’ needs,” CEAP added.
As the debate intensifies, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has expressed openness to reviewing the CSE program and its alignment with Senate Bill 1979 (Anti-Adolescent Pregnancy Bill).

“We acknowledge the concerns regarding the current implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and a version of SBN 1979 (Teenage Pregnancy Bill). We are actively collaborating with various stakeholders, including health service providers and community organizations, to ensure that our programs are effective and culturally sensitive,” Angara stated in January 2025.

The introduction of sex education modules in Philippine schools was also driven by the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS infections among young people, particularly those aged 10 to 24.
With parents, religious groups, and policymakers still divided on how best to implement sexuality education, the future of CSE in Philippine schools remains uncertain.

RONALD O. REYES

TACLOBAN CITY – The Joint Task Force 8 – End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JTF8-ELCAC) has approved a resolution endorsing the proposed “unity road” project to the Regional Development Council (RDC) 8, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth in Samar Island.

The meeting, presided over by Department of Education Secretary Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, JTF8-ELCAC chairperson, and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) 8, was attended by key government officials, including Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan; Rep. Stephen James Tan of 1st district; 8th Infantry Division Commander MGen Adonis Ariel Orio; Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Regional Director Atty. Darwin Bibar; National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Assistant Regional Director Atty. Jam Colas, city and municipal mayors in Samar, and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) 8, Philippine Coast Guard, and other member agencies.

The unity road is a flagship project proposed by the three governors of Samar Island to interconnect the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar. It aims to open economic opportunities in interior communities; provide better and faster accessibility for motorists and farm products; improve emergency and disaster response; and address insurgency issues in the region

Five of the proposed road projects are in Samar province, including Matuguinao-Silvino Lobos Road; Matuguinao-Las Navas Road; Calbayog-Bobon Road; San Jose de Buan-Maslog Road; San Jose de Buan-Las Navas Road; and Calbiga-Borongan Road.

These roads have a total length of 181.17 kilometers and require an estimated budget of P11.19 billion.

Secretary Angara pledged his support in lobbying for the project’s funding at the national level, recognizing its importance in fostering economic growth and security.

Meanwhile, the RDC 8 also committed to helping the three Samar provinces by endorsing the project to relevant agencies to secure funding.

The Unity Road project is expected to transform Samar Island by improving connectivity, security, and development, paving the way for long-term progress in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Establishing a ‘super health’ center alongside the existing rural health unit will significantly enhance local government efforts in providing minor medical interventions, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

For this to be sustainable, sufficient funding must be allocated for its maintenance, emphasized Dr. Antonio Ida, chief of the DOH Leyte Provincial Office, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the P12 million super health center in Matag-ob, Leyte on Feb. 28 .

“With a super health center, we can offer special diagnostic services like chest X-rays and ultrasound,” Dr. Ida stated, highlighting that this would reduce patients’ financial burden, particularly on transportation costs.

However, for the center to fully serve its purpose, the local government unit (LGU) must ensure adequate funding.

“That is why I urge the LGU of Matag-ob, Mayor Bernie (Tacoy), and the municipal officials to allocate funds to properly maintain this Super Health Center,” Ida appealed.
The Matag-ob super health center is among several similar facilities funded by the DOH across the region.

Mayor Tacoy welcomed this call for support, expressing plans to purchase medical equipment such as an X-ray machine, basic laboratory equipment, and a dialysis machine.
He hopes that partners like the DOH, Senator Bong Go, and Tingog party list will assist in funding these vital additions.

“We truly want to procure these, and we will seek help from our partners. This facility will not only benefit Matag-ob residents but also those from neighboring towns,” Mayor Tacoy said.

The construction of the Matag-ob super health center is expected to be completed within three months. It is one of 20 facilities funded by the DOH under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)