On January 18, a coalition of child rights advocates came together to address the growing misinformation surrounding thorough Sexuality Education (CSE) and the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill. The Child Rights network (CRN) issued a statement condemning what it called “fake news and fearmongering” perpetuated by certain groups opposing these initiatives.
The CRN emphasized that its support for the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, also known as Senate Bill 1979, is rooted in extensive research and consultations with diverse stakeholders, including faith-based organizations. “The comprehensive sexuality education component was carefully crafted to be age-appropriate, medically accurate, and culturally sensitive,” the group stated.
This statement came in response to opposition from the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution (NCFC), which launched “Project Dalisay” to challenge the implementation of CSE and the bill.The NCFC argues that these initiatives threaten the sanctity of Filipino family values and the innocence of children.
Addressing Misinformation
The CRN accused “project Dalisay” of misrepresenting the bill’s content to fuel public opposition. “They presented these interpretations as if they were truly the content of the bill,” the CRN said. “These are clear misrepresentations, fake news, and fearmongering.”
The group clarified that the legislative process for Senate Bill 1979 was inclusive and clear. “If the group behind Project Dalisay truly wanted to help, they would have reached out to us or the bill’s sponsor rather of waging a smear campaign,” the CRN added.
Protecting Children Through Education
The CRN stressed that the CSE outlined in the bill is designed to protect children, not expose them to inappropriate content. “It involves both parents and educators,” the group explained. “The curriculum will teach children about good touch, bad touch, and healthy boundaries, helping to prevent sexual abuse and early pregnancies.”
Critics have raised concerns about the influence of international standards on the CSE curriculum. Though, the CRN clarified that while the program is guided by global best practices, it will be tailored to fit the cultural and religious context of the Philippines. “Guided does not mean we will adopt,” the CRN said.“The implementing rules and regulations will be shaped through consultations with all relevant stakeholders.”
The group also highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which obligates the country to protect children and provide them with accurate information to safeguard thier well-being.
The Urgency of Action
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) underscores the urgency of addressing adolescent pregnancy. In 2023, 3,343 children were born to girls aged 10 to 14. Additionally, 162 girls aged 10 to 19 died from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications in 2022 alone.
Teen pregnancy is also a leading cause of school dropouts among young girls,accounting for nearly 60% of cases. This not only limits their potential but also results in significant economic losses for the country. “Moast births delivered by teen mothers are fathered by men substantially older than them,” the CRN noted, pointing to the disturbing power imbalances that frequently enough led to abuse.
A study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute revealed that 44% of young Filipino females and 39% of young males lack access to reliable information about sex, often turning to inaccurate sources like social media. “Let’s not wait until it’s too late to protect more Filipino children from abuse and early pregnancies,” the CRN urged.
The CRN,led by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Progress,has been instrumental in passing landmark laws such as the Raising the Age to Determine Statutory Rape Act,the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children act,and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The group remains committed to advocating for policies that safeguard the rights and well-being of Filipino children.
For more information on the Department of Education’s Comprehensive Sexuality Education program, visit this link.
Given Dr. santos’s emphasis on the bill’s aim to provide young people wiht accurate, age-appropriate information to make informed decisions, what specific strategies does CSE outline for addressing misinformation and promoting accurate understanding among adolescents?
Interview with Dr. Maria Santos, Child Rights Advocate and Lead Researcher for the Child Rights Network (CRN)
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Santos. Thank you for joining us today.The recent statement from the Child Rights Network regarding the Adolescent pregnancy Prevention Bill and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) has sparked notable public debate.Can you start by explaining why the CRN believes these initiatives are so crucial?
Dr. Maria Santos: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill and Comprehensive Sexuality Education are critical because they address a pressing public health and social issue in the Philippines. Adolescent pregnancy rates remain alarmingly high,with many young girls facing life-altering consequences,including dropping out of school,health risks,and economic hardship. CSE, as outlined in the bill, is not about promoting promiscuity, as some critics claim, but about equipping young people with accurate, age-appropriate information to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and futures.
Archyde News Editor: The opposition, particularly from groups like the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution (NCFC), argues that these initiatives threaten Filipino family values and the innocence of children. How do you respond to these concerns?
Dr. Maria Santos: I understand these concerns, but they are based on misinformation. Comprehensive Sexuality Education is designed to be culturally sensitive and age-appropriate.It does not seek to undermine family values but rather to complement the role of parents in guiding their children. The curriculum was developed in consultation with diverse stakeholders, including faith-based organizations, to ensure it aligns with filipino cultural and moral values. What we’re seeing from groups like the NCFC is a misrepresentation of the bill’s content, which only serves to create unnecessary fear and confusion.
archyde News Editor: The CRN has accused Project Dalisay of spreading “fake news and fearmongering.” Can you provide specific examples of how the bill has been misrepresented?
Dr. Maria Santos: Certainly.One of the most common misrepresentations is the claim that CSE encourages early sexual activity. This is categorically false. Research consistently shows that comprehensive sexuality education delays the onset of sexual activity and promotes healthier behaviors. another example is the claim that the bill imposes a one-size-fits-all curriculum. In reality, the bill allows for versatility to adapt the content to local contexts and values. These distortions are not just misleading—they are harmful because they prevent young people from accessing the information they need to protect themselves.
Archyde News Editor: The photo accompanying your statement—a 14-year-old pregnant girl in Quezon City—is a powerful visual. How does her story reflect the broader issue of adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines?
Dr. Maria Santos: Her story is unfortunately not unique. Adolescent pregnancy is a complex issue rooted in poverty, lack of access to education, and misinformation. This young girl, like many others, was not equipped with the knowledge or resources to make informed choices about her body and future. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill aims to address these systemic issues by providing young people with the tools they need to navigate their lives safely and responsibly. It’s about breaking the cycle of poverty and giving every child the prospect to thrive.
Archyde News Editor: The CRN has emphasized that the legislative process for Senate Bill 1979 was inclusive and clear.Can you elaborate on how stakeholders were involved in shaping the bill?
Dr.Maria Santos: Absolutely. the drafting of the bill involved extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and faith-based organizations. We also engaged with young people themselves to ensure their voices were heard. This collaborative approach ensured that the bill reflects the needs and values of the communities it aims to serve. Unfortunately, groups like the NCFC chose not to participate in these consultations, opting instead to spread misinformation after the fact.
Archyde News Editor: What would you say to parents who are still hesitant about CSE and the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill?
Dr. Maria santos: I would say that as parents, we all wont the best for our children. We want them to be safe, healthy, and empowered to make good decisions. Comprehensive Sexuality Education is not about taking away your role as a parent—it’s about providing a foundation of accurate information that you can build upon. The bill also includes provisions for parental involvement, ensuring that you remain an integral part of your child’s education. Let’s work together to give our children the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Archyde News Editor: what is your hope for the future of this bill and the broader movement for adolescent rights in the Philippines?
Dr. Maria Santos: My hope is that we can move beyond the misinformation and focus on the facts. This bill is a step forward in addressing a critical issue that affects the lives of countless young people. I hope that lawmakers, parents, and communities will come together to support it, not just for the sake of our children today, but for future generations. Every child deserves the right to a safe, healthy, and informed future, and this bill is a crucial part of making that a reality.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your time and insights. We appreciate your dedication to this crucial cause.
Dr. Maria Santos: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share our perspective. It’s a conversation we need to have, and I’m grateful for platforms like Archyde that help amplify these critical issues.
