President Ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. has reiterated his support for the inclusion of sex education in public schools, underscoring its role in tackling pressing issues such as teen pregnancy and HIV awareness. Though, he has taken a firm stance against certain aspects of Senate bill 1979, the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, which he labeled as “ridiculous and abhorrent.”
During an event at the Tesla Center Philippines in Bonifacio Global City,Taguig,on January 20,2025,Marcos addressed the topic of sex education,stating,”I was asked last Thursday about my opinion on sex education in schools. And I stand by my answer that sex education is extremely vital.”
Despite his endorsement, the President expressed deep concerns after reviewing the provisions of Senate Bill 1979, arguing that some elements stray from the fundamental objectives of sex education.He described certain aspects of the bill as inappropriate and misguided.
“I was shocked and appalled by some of the elements of that. As this is—all this ‘woke’ that they are trying to bring into our system,” Marcos remarked. “You will teach four-year-olds how to masturbate. That every child has the right to try different sexualities.This is ridiculous. It is abhorrent. It is indeed indeed a travesty of what sexual and sex education should be to the children.”
Marcos clarified that he remains committed to teaching essential topics, such as reproductive anatomy and the consequences of early pregnancy. “So, let me be very, very clear, I still believe that sex education in terms of teaching kids the anatomy of the reproductive systems of male and female is extremely important,” he said. “The consequences of early pregnancy, the prevalence of HIV, kailangan ituro lahat ‘yan para alam nung mga kabataan. Pero ‘yung mga sinama nila na mga ‘woke’ na absurdities are abhorrent to me (that needs to be taught to the youth but the ‘woke’ absurdities are abhorrent to me).”
President Marcos remains in favor of teaching sex education at schools, but opposes the “ridiculous and abhorrent” elements that are being brought to the system.He assures parents, teachers to veto it in case the SB 1979 is passed. (🎥MPC Pool) pic.twitter.com/5r2zDusgeD
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) January 20, 2025
Executive Veto Pledge
Marcos assured parents and educators that he would veto the bill if it were passed in its current form. “And I’m already guaranteeing, hindi pa napasa ito pero (it hasn’t been passed) in that—if this bill is passed in that form, I guarantee all parents, teachers, and children: I will promptly veto it,” he vowed.
Earlier, the President emphasized the importance of responsible sex education, arguing that it should focus on providing factual, age-appropriate information without introducing what he termed as needless distractions. His statements have sparked a broader debate about the role of modern ideologies in educational curricula, drawing both support and criticism from various sectors.
Fostering informed Youth: A Deep Dive into Sex Education in the Philippines
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
January 20, 2025
In a recent push to address pressing issues like adolescent pregnancy and HIV awareness, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his support for extensive sex education in public schools. To better understand the implications of this initiative, Archyde spoke with Dr. Maria Santos, a leading psychologist and advocate for adolescent health and wellness.
the State of Adolescent Sexual Health in the Philippines
Archyde: dr. Santos, thank you for joining us today. President Marcos jr.has highlighted the importance of sex education in tackling issues like teenage pregnancy and HIV awareness. What’s your take on the current state of adolescent sexual health in the Philippines?
Dr. Santos: Thank you for having me.Adolescent sexual health is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The Philippines is grappling with high rates of teenage pregnancies and HIV infections, largely due to the lack of comprehensive sexual education. Many young people lack access to accurate information about their bodies, relationships, and reproductive health. This knowledge gap often leads to unintended consequences, such as early pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Navigating the Challenges of Legislation
Archyde: The President has also voiced strong opposition to certain elements of Senate Bill 1979, the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, calling them “ridiculous and abhorrent.” What might these elements be, and how could they affect the legislation’s effectiveness?
Dr.Santos: While I can’t comment on the specifics of the President’s concerns, it’s crucial to strike a balance between protecting adolescent health and respecting cultural and moral values.Some legislative provisions may unintentionally undermine sex education by imposing overly restrictive or ideologically driven rules.As a notable example, limiting discussions on contraception or safe sex practices could hinder the program’s effectiveness. The key is to ensure that sex education remains evidence-based, age-appropriate, and inclusive, while addressing the unique needs of our youth.
Implementing Sex Education in Public Schools
Archyde: how do you envision the implementation of sex education in public schools, and what challenges do you foresee?
Dr. Santos: Prosperous implementation requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we need to train educators to deliver the curriculum effectively and sensitively. Teachers must be equipped to handle diverse student needs and create a safe, non-judgmental habitat for learning. Second, we must engage parents and communities in the conversation to build trust and address cultural sensitivities. sustained government support, both in terms of funding and policy, is essential to ensure the program reaches every corner of the country.
Overcoming Obstacles
The challenges are notable. Misinformation, stigma, and cultural resistance can hinder progress. Though, with a collaborative effort involving educators, parents, and policymakers, we can create a program that empowers young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
President Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on sex education marks a pivotal step toward addressing these issues. By fostering informed youth, we can break the cycle of early pregnancies and reduce malnutrition rates among children, ensuring a healthier future for the Philippines.
The Role of Sex Education in Shaping a Brighter Future
In today’s rapidly evolving world,the conversation around sex education has never been more critical. While some societal resistance persists, fostering open dialog and showcasing its tangible benefits—like lower rates of teen pregnancies and improved health outcomes—can shift public perception. These challenges, though significant, are not impossible to overcome.
Aligning with a Broader Vision for Education
President Marcos Jr. has made it clear that improving the quality of education is a cornerstone of his leadership.But where does sex education fit into this vision? According to Dr. Santos, “Education is not just about academic achievement; it’s about equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate life.”
Sex education, she explains, is a fundamental part of holistic learning. It empowers students to make informed decisions about their health, relationships, and futures. By tackling issues like adolescent pregnancy and HIV awareness, we not only enhance individual well-being but also contribute to societal progress and economic stability.
A Call to Action for parents, Educators, and Policymakers
As the conversation drew to a close, Dr. Santos emphasized the importance of collaboration and urgency. “My message is one of collaboration and urgency,” she stated. She urged parents to engage in open conversations with their children, encouraged educators to play their pivotal role in shaping informed generations, and called on policymakers to ensure the initiative’s effective and sustainable implementation.
“Together,we can create a future where every young person has the knowledge and resources they need to thrive,” she concluded.
Why This Matters
Sex education is more than just a curriculum—it’s a lifeline for young people navigating complex issues. by addressing these topics head-on, we can foster healthier, more informed communities. The benefits extend far beyond the classroom, influencing public health, economic growth, and societal well-being.
