MANILA, Philippines — The proposed bill which seeks to enhance and expand Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Philippines, is guided by standards set by the Department of Education (DepEd) and relevant international standards, Senator Risa Hontiveros said.

In a statement, Hontiveros clarified that CSE does not involve blindly adopting international standards, such as those published by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or World Health Organization. 

These guidelines will merely serve as references, ensuring that only those beneficial to the Filipino youth are incorporated, the lawmaker said.

Any content deemed unsuitable for the Philippine context and culture will be excluded, according to Hontiveros.

“Siyempre kung may mga nakasaad diyan na hindi akma sa konteksto at kultura ng Pilipinas, siyempre hindi yan gagamitin. Common sense po iyan,” she said.

The bill specifies that DepEd, in collaboration with relevant agencies and with consultations involving various stakeholders, will oversee the implementation of CSE. 

Hontiveros said that no international organization will dictate the curriculum, as the Philippine government retains full autonomy in crafting education policies.

“DepEd pa rin, kasama ang ibang relevant agencies, at dapat may consultation with various stakeholders, ang mag-iimplement ng CSE. Hindi kung sino-sinong international body. Wala pong magdidikta sa ating gubyerno kundi tayong mga Pilipino,” she said.

She likewise notedthat the highest international standards guiding the initiative are the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

The primary goal of CSE is to safeguard and promote the rights, welfare, and protection of children, she said.

Under the proposed measure, sexuality and reproductive health education will be more systematic, culturally appropriate, and focused on equipping the youth with accurate information to make informed decisions for their well-being.

Senator Hontiveros filed Senate Bill 1979 to provide CSE for individuals aged 10 to 19, aiming to help prevent teenage pregnancy.  

The bill requires CSE modules to cover age-appropriate and development-focused topics.  

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows a 35 percent increase in births among girls under 15, rising from 2,320 in 2021 to 3,135 in 2022.