
The proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, also known as the “Sex Ed” bill, is long overdue in a country struggling with high rates of teenage pregnancies, misinformation about reproductive health, and a culture of taboo surrounding sex education. While conservative groups cry foul, branding it as an attack on Filipino values, the reality is ignorance is a more significant threat to morality than education.
According to the Commission on Population and Development (PopCom), around 500 Filipino teenagers give birth daily. These numbers are young mothers’ struggles and a national crisis affecting economic stability, educational attainment, and public health.
The Philippines has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Southeast Asia, which often forces young girls to drop out of school, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Opponents of the bill argue that teaching sexuality education will “encourage” promiscuity, but this is a baseless claim unsupported by evidence. Research shows the opposite. Countries that implement comprehensive sex education programs, such as the Netherlands and Sweden, have lower rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Why? Because knowledge empowers young people to make informed choices about their bodies, relationships, and futures.
One of the most significant flaws of the current system is its reliance on abstinence-only education, which promotes the idea that avoiding sex is the only way to prevent pregnancy and STIs. While abstinence is a valid choice, it is naïve to assume that all adolescents will adhere to it. The failure of abstinence-only programs in other countries has shown that it does not stop teenagers from engaging in sexual activity—but only leaves them unprepared and vulnerable.
The Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) program under the proposed bill does not merely focus on sex. It includes discussions on human development, gender equality, healthy relationships, consent, and reproductive health. It teaches young people about the consequences of unprotected sex, the importance of mutual respect, and how to protect themselves physically and emotionally.
Another most dangerous aspect of Filipino society is the culture of silence surrounding sex. Many parents avoid the topic, leaving children to learn from unreliable sources—friends, social media, or worse, pornography. This lack of guidance fosters misinformation and unhealthy attitudes toward relationships and sexuality.
Moreover, the Sex Ed bill is not about corrupting young minds. Instead, it is about giving them the realities of adulthood responsibly. Parents and educators must work together to provide a safe space for discussions about reproductive health rather than relying on outdated fears that knowledge equates to immortality.
Legislators must resist the pressure from conservative groups that seek to block this bill based on moral panic. The evidence is clear, and young Filipinos deserve the right to accurate, science-based information about their bodies.
In a country where teenage pregnancy remains alarmingly high, rejecting this is not just irresponsible but a betrayal of the next generation. Education, not ignorance, is the key to a healthier, more informed society.
Legislators must resist the pressure from conservative groups that seek to block this bill based on
moral panic. The evidence is clear, and young Filipinos deserve the right to accurate, science-
based information about their bodies.
In a country where teenage pregnancy remains alarmingly high, rejecting this is not just
irresponsible but a betrayal of the next generation. Education, not ignorance, is the key to a
healthier, more informed society.