MANILA, 22 January 2025 – Child advocates across the Philippines are calling for a more unified community effort in protecting children and youth through comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). While debates persist, the voices of the youth themselves underline the transformative impact of CSE on their lives.

“If you actually listen to children, we are all fighting for the same thing: a future where every child feels safe, respected, and empowered,” said Amihan Abueva, Regional Executive Director of Child Rights Coalition Asia, a network of child rights organizations in Asia actively working together to be a strong voice for child rights.

Child advocates from various communities across the Philippines under the Down to Zero Philippine Alliance came together in Cebu last July 2024 to come up with ways on how to raise awareness on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and the prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (SEC).

“Children themselves believe that if they understand their rights and responsibilities, children can actually protect themselves from harm and have better futures. So, let’s not pretend to listen but really listen to what they have to say,” said Abueva.

“Mas mapapababa po yung case ng teenage pregnancy at mga na-aabuse,” shares Eloi, 14, highlighting a critical benefit of CSE.

Shane, 15, elaborates, “Kung may knowledge ang mga children… they will know what’s the right thing to do at ano ang hindi gagawin.” This education extends beyond the classroom, fostering a culture of respect, consent, and accountability among peers.

Child advocates also point out critical gaps in access to accurate information. “As youth, we are using social media a lot to get information, including Tiktok. Pero tama ba lahat iyon? Who will give us the right information?” Shane asked.

Another child advocate highlights the role of schools in addressing these gaps to ensure children and youth receive reliable and age-appropriate guidance. “In our school, teenage pregnancy prevention is not mentioned at all. The topic should be given a dedicated time instead of being randomly planted in different subjects.”

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, currently under deliberation, seeks to institutionalize CSE in schools nationwide.

“Hindi ba nila naiisip na if children are educated about sex at home and in school, we will delay sexual activity because we already know the consequences of early pregnancy?” Shantel, 17, asked.

Children recognize the essential role of parents and caregivers in providing guidance to children about SRHR and SEC. “Supporting children to prevent teenage pregnancy starts at home,” Shantel adds.

Research has shown that sex education has the most impact when school-based programs are complemented with the involvement of parents and caregivers.

“I want to be able to ask my parents questions about my body and feel safe,” said another child advocate.

“Children believe that it’s important that young people are supported by their families in making informed decisions. That’s why parents and caregivers must be trained to teach and handle conversations about sex and about their rights because it is essential to fostering a society where children can thrive without fear or misinformation,” said Abueva.

Child advocates stress that conversations about sex and sexuality are not inappropriate. “Ang pagtanong tungkol sa sex at sekwalidad ay hindi bastos. Huwag dapat mahihiyang magtanong o pag-usapan ito,” the children assert.

Marsel, 17, paints a hopeful picture of the future: “Hindi lang ang mga batang kaedad natin kundi pati ang next generation at pati rin ang ibang parents will be empowered and instilled with knowledge.” By prioritizing CSE, advocates aim to create a ripple effect that benefits not only today’s youth but also future generations.

As part of the ongoing effort, schools, families, policymakers, and the rest of civil society are called to unite in supporting the bill and integrating CSE into the education system. Comprehensive Sexuality Education is not just about academics; it’s about building a safer, more inclusive society for all.

Ultimately, we are all fighting for the same thing: a future where every child is safe, protected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Mica Fernando
Communications Manager
Child Rights Coalition Asia
mfernando@crcasia.org | 09399181820

BOILERPLATE:

Child Rights Coalition Asia is part of the Down to Zero Alliance, which aims to prevent and stop the sexual exploitation of children in twelve countries in Asia and Latin America by implementing a three-year program called Stepping Up the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation of Children (#SUFASEC) funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the Philippines, the SUFASEC Programme is implemented by the DtZ Philippine Alliance composed of Terre des Hommes Netherlands in the Philippines (TdH NL), Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia), ECPAT Philippines, and Plan International Pilipinas.