The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has issued a strong call for parents to step up and take a leading role in educating their children about sexuality and reproductive health. This appeal comes in response to increasing concerns about youth pregnancy rates and the need for more effective sex education strategies in the Philippines.
Mylin Mirasol Quiray, Chief of the CPD’s Knowledge Management and Communications Division, emphasized the pivotal role parents have in providing their children with accurate and age-appropriate information about their bodies and sexuality. She stressed that parents should be the primary educators on these topics, as outlined in the CPD’s parent education strategy.
Quiray pointed out that parents are in a unique position to fill the knowledge gaps and be the first source of guidance for their children. By fostering open communication and understanding, parents can help their children make informed decisions and combat misinformation.
This call to action is set against the backdrop of rising youth pregnancy rates, prompting the CPD to advocate for urgent measures. The agency has been pushing for a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to sex education, as part of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action.
CPD Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales highlighted the agency’s focus on protecting adolescents from abuse and developing their life skills to make informed choices. She noted that while parents are the first line of defense, schools and communities must also play a crucial role in providing timely and accurate information.
Recent data from the University of the Philippines Population Institute revealed a stark reality: only one in ten Filipino youth have ever discussed sex with their parents, leaving many to turn to friends or social media for information. Additionally, nearly 44% of female youth and 39% of male youth lack reliable sources of information about sex, underscoring the urgent need for better sex education initiatives.