DepEd Re-evaluates Comprehensive Sexuality Education Policy

Concerns regarding the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) order's age appropriateness and clarity have prompted the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) to evaluate it. Inconsistencies between the order's requirement for CSE in all grade levels and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health law, which restricts it to adolescents (ages 10-19), were brought to light during Senate hearings. Although the order's wording is general, DepEd officials acknowledged the misunderstanding and clarified that the curriculum is intended for students aged 10 and up. Younger children are merely taught the fundamentals of cleanliness and bodily components. Senators, however, underlined the necessity of more explicit legislation and teacher preparation to guarantee implementation that is age-and culturally appropriate. In order to address concerns, especially those related to the inclusion of younger grade levels, the Education Secretary is thinking of temporarily halting the order while it is reviewed. Previous disinformation operations that connected CSE to offensive material are another factor that triggered the study.