DESPITE the increasing cases of teen age pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases in the region, the Department of Education - Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd CAR) remains firm in opposing the distribution of condoms in schools.
DepEd-CAR OIC regional director Beatriz Torno said she is backing Education Secretary Leonor Briones in opposing condom distribution in schools because of several factors.
u201cDepEd is not in favor of distribution of condoms to our students. Una, kapag mag-distribute tayo ng condom, parang we are encouraging our students to engage in premarital sex. Hindi pa time siguro sa edad nila,” Torno said.
The proposed distribution of condoms is supposed to be given to high school students since their age is the start of being sexually active.
Records reveal there is an increasing number of teen age pregnancy as well as the age of those who are inflicted with sexually transmitted disease like HIV-AIDS is going younger. Using condom is one of the contraceptive methods which can prevent pregnancy and other sexually transmitted diseases during sexual intercourse.
u201cWe integrate population development naman in our curriculum but not through the use of condom. Paiigtingin natin ang education natin, to orient our students who are engaging in premarital sex,” Torno added.
In an earlier interview with DOH-CAR director III Amelita Pangilinan, she said for the past years, Cordillera have the highest teen age pregnancy.
Pangilinan added she is in favor of distributing condoms in schools but subject to dialogues with the school and parents and explained these social issues should be addressed the earliest possible time to help women in the region.
