THE CATHOLIC Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) called for a “balanced” and “inclusive” approach to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), saying a standardized framework on sexual and reproductive health may pose challenges in maintaining the identity, academic freedom and operational autonomy of Catholic schools.
CEAP, which represents over 1,500 educational institutions, including UST, said a reproductive health program should also take into account “faith-based perspectives” since a “one-size-fits-all” sex education curriculum may not meet the diverse needs of Catholic schools.
“Our member schools, guided by their distinct missions, have long incorporated age- and development-appropriate reproductive health education into their curricula, delivered by properly trained teachers in accordance with RA 10354 (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012),” CEAP said in a statement issued on Thursday, Feb. 13.
“However, a one-size-fits-all curriculum may not fully reflect the cultural, religious and institutional contexts of all schools. Any reproductive health education program should allow flexibility, ensuring that schools can integrate faith-based perspectives while addressing students’ needs,” it added.
The Catholic schools group expressed support for the Department of Education’s thorough review of CSE, saying it is “crucial to ensure such policies are clear, well-grounded and protected from inaccurate information.”
The review was made in the wake of concerns raised by stakeholders, including parents and religious groups, who claimed that the instruction contains provisions that teach “lewd” behavior to children.
The CSE is part of the rules and guidelines stated in Senate Bill No. 1979 or the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill.
According to CEAP, the proposed legislation seeks to prevent teenage pregnancy, but some of its provisions may be in conflict with existing laws, such as Republic Act (RA) 10354 or Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act and RA 9710 or Magna Carta of Women.
The CEAP also argued that the curriculum must respect and reinforce the parents’ responsibility to guide their children’s moral and sexual development.
“As we call for clarity in addressing public concerns regarding CSE. CEAP calls for a balanced and inclusive approach to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), one that upholds the diversity of educational institutions, the vital role of parents, and the autonomy of faith-based school,” it added.
Founded in 1941, CEAP is a non-profit organization that seeks to advance the teaching function of the Catholic Church. It is the national association of Catholic educational institutions in the Philippines. F
