The majority of Filipinos are in favor of teaching concepts of sexuality, sexual health, and family planning in schools in an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive manner, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey.
“What is even more encouraging is the positive outlook majority of Filipinos have in entrusting schools as spaces where children can have responsible discussions about their bodies and relationships,” Au Quilala, executive director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), said in a press release.
Ms. Quilala said that teaching comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) could help children protect themselves from abuse, unwanted and early pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
“We should not underestimate the importance Filipinos place on children receiving accurate information,” she said.
Data from the survey showed that 73% agreed to teach CSE in schools
while only 13% disagreed. Meanwhile, the remaining 14% are undecided.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said that while it is important to educate the youth with scientific and accurate information about their bodies, strong safeguards must be in place.
The agency suggested effective monitoring and evaluation to ensure quality and age-appropriateness, regular engagement with parent groups, sustained teacher training, and meaningful youth participation upon the implementation of CSE in schools.
“By actively involving young people, Comprehensive Sexuality Education becomes more responsive to their realities and strengthens their ability to make informed and empowered life-changing decisions,” it said in a statement on Friday.
Pulse Asia conducted the survey in March, with an overall margin of error of ±4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Rising cases of young HIV patients
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that the Philippines has the fastest-growing number of HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region, with an estimated 252,800 cases in 2025, and a 550% growth in cases from 4,400 in 2010 to 29,600 in 2024.
The organization added that during the first quarter of the year, a third of the newly diagnosed patients are between the ages of 15 and 24.
Loveyourself Inc. Program Manager Denis Cruz said that while the rising cases indicate more children are being put at risk, it can also mean that more children will be able to receive the proper support and treatment they need.
“In the HIV program, we are not just testing people; we are also linking them to the necessary care depending on their HIV test result,” Mr. Cruz told BusinessWorld in a Facebook message.
“Should they test non-reactive or negative, we can link them to preventive services,” he said. “Should they test reactive or positive, we link them to HIV treatment.”
Mr. Cruz noted that the growing number of cases may also be attributed to the increased accessibility of diagnostic centers, hospitals, and community-based organizations that offer free HIV tests.
Self-testing kits also made the test more accessible nationwide. “They can order these kits from us or social hygiene clinics and have it delivered to their doorstep and do it at home,” he said.
Another possible factor contributing to the rise of cases could also be the repealed Republic Act (RA) No. 8504, or the “Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, said Mr. Cruz.
In 2018, former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, which lowered the age of consent for testing to 15.
“If we are testing more people compared before, the diagnosis would in turn increase as well,” Mr. Cruz said. “Increased awareness, especially among the youth regarding testing is also a factor in the increased diagnosis.” – Almira Louise S. Martinez
