A Palawan-based reproductive health non-government organization argued on Friday that comprehensive sex education (CSE) will reduce teen pregnancy.

In a statement, Ugat ng Kalusugan (Roots of Health) maintained that CSE reduces teenage pregnancies and maternal and child mortality.

"We've seen this happen in Palawan where we taught 100,000 students and trained 6,500 teachers in CSE in 15 years," the group said.

"Largely because of our education efforts, teen pregnancy in Puerto Princesa has decreased 60 percent. Let's do this for the whole country," it added.

Ugat ng Kalusugan also added that through CSE, educators, parents, and the community can guide and empower young people to take care of themselves and direct their lives so they can thrive.

'Nothing to worry about CSE'

With so much disinformation surrounding CSE, the group belied that it would "hypersexualize children."

"The current disinformation campaign attacking CSE, as well as the misconceptions and misunderstandings it deliberately generates, detracts, and distracts from the urgent need to address pressing health issues that affect young people such as increasing cases of teenage pregnancy, HIV infection, and sexual abuse," it added.

Ugat ng Kalusugan emphasized that CSE "empowers young people with credible knowledge to make informed decisions instead of learning through risky experimentation or unreliable sources."

The reproductive health group also maintained that CSE focuses on topics such as bodily autonomy and recognizing inappropriate behavior, equipping children with essential life skills.

"By starting these conversations early, children learn to set personal boundaries, build a foundation of respect for others, and know what to do in case they experience abuse or predatory behavior," it added.

The group noted that CSE lessons are "age-appropriate, ensuring that children have the right knowledge at the right time."

Ugat ng Kalusugan's statement came following a viral video posted by the Project Dalisay Facebook page under the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution, expressing dismay over the legislative push for the CSE program.

Meanwhile, seven senators withdrew their signatures from Senate Bill (SB) 1979 or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill.

Senators Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher "Bong" Go, Loren Legarda, Bong Revilla, and Cynthia Villar withdrew their signatures from SB 1979.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, principal author of the bill, moved swiftly on 22 January to introduce a bill that addresses concerns raised by her colleagues and some religious groups.