Advocates hit disinformation on sex education program

Child rights advocate hit disinformation on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE).

In a statement, Defend CSE, a collective of civil society organizations and advocates, condemned the disinformation aimed to undermine CSE and block the passage of the urgently needed Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Bill or Senate Bill 1979.

According to Defense CSE, the disinformation is "rooted in bigotry and a skewed sense of morality."

"These attacks intentionally misrepresent facts and use sensationalism to create unwarranted fear and division among the public, particularly, the parents of our children," the group said.

"These are critical times. The ongoing disinformation and fearmongering about CSE hinder the development of critical thinking among young people, keep them ignorant and vulnerable to abuse, unable to make informed and responsible decisions about their health and well-being, ruining their chances for a better future," it added.

The Defend CSE stressed that young learners have the right to accurate, age- and development-appropriate, and culturally relevant information that empowers them to lead healthy, safe, and productive lives.

It also emphasized that CSE is vital in protecting young people from the risks of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, abuse, and exploitation.

"It promotes respect, gender equality, healthy relationships, and responsible decision-making. Ensuring access to CSE is a matter of upholding children's and young people's rights and investing in their future," it continued.

The group assured legislators championing CSE and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Bill now pending in the Senate "have the solid backing of civil society organizations and communities across the nation."

It also commended the Department of Education (DepEd) "for its firm resolve in upholding the best interest of learners through the promotion and integration of CSE in the curriculum."

"By prioritizing students' holistic development and well-being, DepEd is paving the way for a future where young people are truly empowered to make informed life choices and meaningfully contribute to society," Defend CSE said.

"We fully support DepEd’s efforts and encourage continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of age- and development-appropriate, medically accurate, rights-based, and culturally-sensitive CSE," it added.

Additionally, it also urged parents and guardians "to be discerning about the information they encounter and share online, especially regarding CSE."

"The internet is rife with disinformation that sows fear and confusion. We encourage parents to base their opinions on evidence-based, credible sources," it furthered.

The group also appealed to parents to engage in open, non-judgmental, and informed discussions about health, sexuality, relationships, and values with their children, emphasizing its vital role in protecting their children from the harmful effects of false narratives.

Likewise, the Defense CSE called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to study CSE more closely before rejecting Senate Bull 1979, arguing that it represents medically accurate, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive education, "which is critical to addressing the alarming rates of adolescent births and ensuring that young Filipinos are equipped to make informed decisions."

The Defend CSE's statement came after a viral video posted by the Project Dalisay Facebook page under the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution expressed dismay over the legislative push for the CSE program.

The video thumbed down some provisions of the bill, as well as features of the CSE that may “hypersexualize children at a very early age.”