IN A bid to curb the rising incidences of teenage pregnancy, the non-government organization (NGO) Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc. said the role of educators is highlighted in the implementation of sexuality education.
Kevin De Vera, program associate for training and research from the organization, said there is need to work sex education in the Philippines, adding the teachers in both public and private sectors role in teaching students who dedicate most of their time in educational institutions.
De Vera added that to beat teenage pregnancy, there is a need to start talking about the matter aiding young people in decision making.
“Iyong kapangyarihan ng sexuality education mas informed, mas educated ka, mas magaling kang gumawa ng decision,” says De Vera.
Data indicates that teenage pregnancy occur in “familiar places” like boarding houses, houses and schools.
He added the importance of the engagement of teachers and parents in the discussion. In the city, teachers of private and public sector including guidance counselors convene in three-day training, “Bridging gaps in teaching reproductive health.”
Last July, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones memorandum on the policy of guidelines on the implementation of the comprehensive sexuality education.
In the 2013 Young Adults Fertility Survey, Cordillera region had the highest teen fertility rate in the country. But the 2017 National Demographic Health Survey shows that CAR have the lowest teen pregnancy and motherhood among women ages 15 to 19.
Higher percentage is noted in rural areas with young women of the said age have begun childbearing compared that of in the urban areas.
In Benguet province, in 2016 record shows 499 deliveries were from teenage mothers ages 10 to 19 years old that increase compared to the 2017 949 deliveries recorded.
Data indicates that teenagers learn sex from their peers and classmates who are not also properly informed on sexuality education.
Chi Laigo Vallido, director for programs and advocacy-the forum says they are trying to work with DepEd additional information and understanding on how to teach sexuality education.
Guidance Counselor Rosita Daganos shared in the course of finishing the training, they to coordinate with parents as partners in implementing sexuality education among students.