Reproductive Health Education set for Grades 5–12

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has issued a new policy mandating the implementation of Reproductive Health Education (RHE) in schools amid the rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and teenage pregnancies in the country.

- By BELLA CARIASO

Angara yesterday signed DepEd Order 25, which adopts the Policy on the Implementation of Reproductive Health Education for Adolescent Learners in Basic Education.

The order repeals DepEd Order 31, series of 2018, which previously laid out the guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education.

DepEd said the new framework aligns with the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012 (RA 10354) and will provide age and developmentally appropriate lessons to adolescent learners, taught by adequately trained teachers in both formal and non-formal education systems.

The policy will cover students from Grades 5 to 12 (ages 10 to 19) in all public schools and Community Learning Centers. Private schools may adopt the provisions in developing their own RHE programs, subject to existing laws and regulations.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Angara noted the increasing cases of adolescent pregnancies, HIV infections, sexually transmitted diseases and gender-based violence among the youth.

"This trend underscores the urgent need to strengthen and institutionalize a comprehensive policy framework on RHE," said Angara.

Under the guidelines, reproductive health education may be integrated into subjects such as MAPEH (Physical Education and Health), Science, GMRC and Values Education, Araling Panlipunan and Life and Career Skills.

Topics to be covered include values formation; physical, social and emotional changes in adolescence; prevention of discrimination; protection against sexual abuse and gender-based violence; responsible teenage behavior; teen pregnancy; women and children's rights; gender and development and responsible parenthood.

Classroom pledges Alongside reforms in health education, Angara also reported progress in addressing classroom shortages.