Defend CSE holds mobilizations in Mendiola and Cebu for passage of Teen Pregnancy Prevention bill

Today the Defend CSE network united in a powerful demonstration in Mendiola and Cebu of solidarity, sending a clear and resolute message to legislators: support Senate Bill 1979 and accelerate the nationwide implementation of CSE. This critical piece of legislation aims to fortify adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) initiatives that are under threat by misinformation campaigns.

 

“We believe that CSE is not a threat, but a right,” said Judy Ann Miranda, a leading figure in Defend CSE and secretary general of the labor group Partido Manggagawa. She added that “This is not just about passing laws, it’s about ensuring every young person has the right to accurate, responsible, and empowering education.”

  

Defend CSE, a broad network of civil society organizations (CSOs), advocates, and stakeholders in child rights, youth development, women’s rights, health, and education, stands united in its unwavering commitment to defend Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Philippines.

 

“We must continue to safeguard the work of educators, policymakers, and those championing CSE in the Department of Education,” stated Miranda. She pointed out that “Fear-mongering and misinformation must not be allowed to erase the progress we’ve made in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people.”

 

In celebration of Valentine’s month, Defend CSE expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the countless advocates, legislators, families, educators, and other stakeholders who have stood strong in the fight to protect young people’s rights to accurate and empowering education. Despite the continued efforts of opposition groups to undermine CSE through fear-mongering and disinformation, Defend CSE reaffirms that these divisive tactics have no place in a dialogue built on love and care for the well-being of children and youth.

 

CSE is a vital tool for protecting young people from real risks such as gender-based violence, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. It empowers youth with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and future. By equipping young people with comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate, and culturally-sensitive education, CSE ensures they can build safe, healthy, and respectful lives.

 

The Defend CSE movement calls for continued advocacy and action to protect CSE against all forms of distortion and opposition. As they rally for the passage and effective implementation of Senate Bill 1979, they pledge to fight for the rights of young people and ensure CSE remains a key element of the country’s education system.

 

Defend CSE remains committed to working alongside policymakers to ensure that sexual and reproductive health education continues to be a pillar of youth empowerment, human rights, and public health in the Philippines.

 

Photos of the Mendiola and Cebu rallies today can be accessed at FB: Partido Manggagawa

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About Defend CSE

Defend CSE is a collective network of civil society organizations, advocates, and stakeholders dedicated to defending the rights of young people to access comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). The movement is committed to advocating for youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, and education policies that prioritize the well-being of future generations.

 

Press Release

February 5, 2025

Defend CSE

PAP at CSE ay para sa proteksyon ng mga batang babae

 

Walang mali at kulang sa panukalang PAP bill. Ang mali ay ang luma at tradisyunal na kaisipan na ang sex education ay nakakasira ng kaisipan ng kabataan.

 

Ang sinisira ng problema at teenage pregnancy ay ang buhay at kinabukasan ng mga batang ina. Para maiwasan ito, responsibilidad ng estado at maging ng mga pamilya na buksan ang isipan ng mga kabataan sa wasto at tamang gawin sa kanilang sekswalidad, hindi ang maghasik ng pangamba na ang sex education ay isang karumaldumal na bagay.

 

Ang Teenage Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Bill ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang tugunan ang patuloy at kritikal na isyu ng maagang pagbubuntis at ang kaugnay nitong karahasang nakabatay sa kasarian. Nararapat lamang na linawin ang ilang maling paniniwala ukol sa panukalang batas na ito:

 

1.           Hindi tinuturuan o hinihikayat ng TPP Bill ang kabataan na gumawa ng sekswal na gawain, lalong lalo na ang masturbation. Ang Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) ay hindi tungkol sa panghihikayat sa kabataan na  makipagtalik, kundi pagbibigay ito ng tamang kaalaman ukol sa kanilang katawan, tamang pagpapasya, at ligtas na pakikipagtalik.

 

2.           Ang CSE ay hindi hango sa European standards. Ito ay naayon sa mga values, kultura, at konteksto ng lipunang Pilipino upang masiguro na ang mga kabataan ay makakakuha ng wastong impormasyon base sa kanilang edad at kultura.

 

3.           Ang sex education ay hindi naghihikayat ng promiscuity o kalaswaan. Sa halip, tinutulungan nito ang kabataan na magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman upang gumawa ng tamang desisyon at maprotektahan ang kanilang sarili mula sa karahasang sekswal at mapang-abusong relasyon.

 

4.           Hindi inaalis ng TPP Bill ang tungkulin ng mga magulang sa paggabay sa kanilang mga anak. Kinikilala sa TPP Bill ang karapatan ng mga magulang na gabayan ang kanilang anak sa usaping sexual health at reproductive health.

 

Isa rin sa pangunahing layunin ng TPP Bill ay suportahan ang mga batang ina at ama. Kabilang dito ang pagbibigay ng akses sa home-based schooling, tamang impormasyon sa paggamit ng contraceptives/akses sa contraceptives, at counseling. Sa pamamagitan nito, matutulungan silang harapin ang diskriminasyong nararanasan sa paaralan, sa media, at sa ating healthcare system. Binibigyan nito ng pagkakataong makabangon muli ang mga kabataang biktima ng rape, ng pang-aabuso.

 

Higit sa lahat, ang maagang pagbubuntis sa Pilipinas ay hindi lamang usaping personal o pampamilya—ito ay isang suliraning panlipunan na dulot ng kahirapan, karahasang nakabatay sa kasarian, at kakulangan sa tamang edukasyon at mga serbisyo. Kinikilala ng TPP Bill ang halaga ng pagkakaroon ng tamang impormasyon at serbisyo ukol sekswalidad at kasarian ng kabataan. Ito ay isang karapatan na nararapat na natatamasa ng kabataan upang proteksyunan sila laban sa sexual abuse at mapang-abusong relasyon.

 

Kaya’t nananawagan kami sa Senado at kay President Marcos na ipasa ang TPP Bill at agarang tugunan ang isyu ng maagang pagbubuntis at karahasang nakabatay sa kasarian. Puntuhin ang mga probisyon sa bill na hindi malinaw — maging patas sa mga bata, mga babae, at kabataan na nangangailangan ng bill na ito para sa kanilang kinabukasan.

 

At bilang isang lipunan, kasama na ng ating gobyerno, responsibilidad natin pangalagaan ang ating kabataan anuman ang kanilang edad at kasarian.

 

Ang Partido Manggagawa, kasama ang mga kasapi naming nanay at kabataang babae, ay tutungo sa Senado sa January 28 para sa panawagang ito.

 

Ipapahayag ang aming paninindigan sa kawastuhan ng Teen Pregnancy Bill at pagsuporta sa aming Kampeon na si Senator Risa Hontiveros. 

Livestream of Defend CSE Movement today: https://www.facebook.com/CRNPhilippines/videos/1159546235887049/

Press Statement

January 24, 2025

Passage of Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy bill—mothers and teenagers’ Christmas wish

 

A group of mothers and youth called on the Senate to pass the proposed bill on Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) as a “Christmas gift.” Women’s groups and reproductive health advocates trooped to the Senate last Tuesday morning to kick off the 18-day campaign to end violence against women and children (VAWC) as well as call for the passage of the PAP bill. They expressed support to Senator Rise Hontiveros who is the main sponsor of the PAP bill and is head of the committee on women and children. 

 

“All we want for Christmas is a PAP. For youth to enjoy the holidays and not be burdened by teenage pregnancy,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, secretary general of Partido Manggagawa (PM). Aside from PM Women’s Committee, members of PM-Kabataan and Tara Kabataan, a Manila-based youth organization, also attended the Senate mobilization.

 

Dressed in Christmas-themed costumes and carrying lanterns with holiday wishes and creative Christmas ornaments, the mothers and youth sang Christmas carols but with lyrics modified to suit their demand against VAWC and for the passage of PAP.

 

The issue of early pregnancy has long been a concern for Filipino youth, especially those aged 10-19 years. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2021, 10 percent of the total number of births in the country were from young mothers. Despite existing programs aimed at reducing this incidence, the numbers of early pregnancies remain high, significantly impacting the youth in terms of their health, education, future, as well as the economy and society.

 

“It is clear that early pregnancy poses severe challenges. Many young mothers are forced to stop their education due to the discrimination they face—not only in schools but also on social media and even from healthcare workers. Furthermore, early pregnancies pose health risks to these young individuals, including complications during pregnancy, repeat pregnancies, and lack of access to affordable and humane health services. There is also a lack of knowledge regarding sexuality, reproductive health, and the concept of consent, which puts the youth at risk of abusive relationships and coercive sexual encounters. In fact, most cases of adolescent pregnancy are a result of statutory rape—clearly a form of violence against children,” stated Eunice Santiago, an advocate from Tara Kabataan and PM Kabataan.

 

She added that “Thus, this issue is not merely due to young people's flirtations or impulsiveness but is a social issue that requires collective action from families, schools, the government, and the entire community. The PAP Bill aims to protect the youth against early pregnancy and ensure that adequate support is provided for young parents.”

 

Some key objectives of this bill include:

 

1.      Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE): This educates individuals about sexuality, reproductive health, consent, and respect for the body in a way that is age- and culturally appropriate. It aims to guide the youth to avoid early pregnancies by providing them with formal and accurate information regarding sex and their sexuality.

 

2.      Social Protection Services: This includes maternal health services, home-based schooling, PhilHealth coverage, counseling, and other services that can help young parents recover and address the stigma or discrimination they face.

 

3.      Access to Reproductive Health Services: The PAP Bill ensures that youth aged 16-18 will have direct access to information and health services, along with guidance from health workers.

 

 Currently, the PAP Bill has garnered sufficient support but still needs to be prioritized in the agenda to complete the interpellation process and proceed to a vote in the Senate.

 

“This is the right time to unite and strengthen the call for the passage of this law. This law is not just for young parents but also aims to protect Filipino youth from violence. The PAP Bill is a crucial step towards promoting the rights of youth and women. Through this, we ensure proper information, support, and protection for their bodies, sexuality, and future. It is time to encourage our lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of the youth and women. Let us collectively advocate for a humane, safe, and just society. Let’s support the PAP Bill—a gift of unity and responsibility for the future of youth and women!” Santiago ended. 

Photos of the Senate rally for PAP can be accessed here:

https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0274aNweXzu24HSzJ8wUFqshia2b1tEPSmLVSomKYuNsA7fKVFfttEoB3s9pmdGRUQl

 

https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0376RzysU1FXBycwHFyL7MwMagKbsgoAPv4eE1wK173TYFVkuhKZiyKoeUtZ4yJDQFl

Press Release

December 2, 2024

Partido Manggagawa Kabataan, Tara Kabataan

Mothers and teenagers call on Senators to pass PAP bill as “Christmas gift”

A group of mothers and youth called on the Senate to pass the proposed bill on Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) as a “Christmas gift.” Women’s groups and reproductive health advocates trooped to the Senate yesterday morning to kick off the 18-day campaign to end violence against women and children (VAWC) as well as call for the passage of the PAP bill.  They expressed support to Senator Rise Hontiveros who is the main sponsor of the PAP bill and is head of the committee on women and children.  

“All we want for Christmas is a PAP. For youth to enjoy the holidays and not be burdened by teenage pregnancy,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, secretary general of Partido Manggagawa (PM). Aside from PM Women’s Committee, members of PM-Kabataan and Tara Kabataan, a Manila-based youth organization, also attended the Senate mobilization.

 

Dressed in Christmas-themed costumes and carrying lanterns with holiday wishes and creative Christmas ornaments, the mothers and youth sang Christmas carols but with lyrics modified to suit their demand against VAWC and for the passage of PAP.

 

The issue of early pregnancy has long been a concern for Filipino youth, especially those aged 10-19 years. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2021, 10 percent of the total number of births in the country were from young mothers. Despite existing programs aimed at reducing this incidence, the numbers of early pregnancies remain high, significantly impacting the youth in terms of their health, education, future, as well as the economy and society.

 

“It is clear that early pregnancy poses severe challenges. Many young mothers are forced to stop their education due to the discrimination they face—not only in schools but also on social media and even from healthcare workers. Furthermore, early pregnancies pose health risks to these young individuals, including complications during pregnancy, repeat pregnancies, and lack of access to affordable and humane health services. There is also a lack of knowledge regarding sexuality, reproductive health, and the concept of consent, which puts the youth at risk of abusive relationships and coercive sexual encounters. In fact, most cases of adolescent pregnancy are a result of statutory rape—clearly a form of violence against children,” stated Eunice Santiago, an advocate from Tara Kabataan and PM Kabataan.

 

She added that “Thus, this issue is not merely due to young people's flirtations or impulsiveness but is a social issue that requires collective action from families, schools, the government, and the entire community. The PAP Bill aims to protect the youth against early pregnancy and ensure that adequate support is provided for young parents.”

 

Some key objectives of this bill include:

 

1.      Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE): This educates individuals about sexuality, reproductive health, consent, and respect for the body in a way that is age- and culturally appropriate. It aims to guide the youth to avoid early pregnancies by providing them with formal and accurate information regarding sex and their sexuality.

 

2.      Social Protection Services: This includes maternal health services, home-based schooling, PhilHealth coverage, counseling, and other services that can help young parents recover and address the stigma or discrimination they face.

 

3.      Access to Reproductive Health Services: The PAP Bill ensures that youth aged 16-18 will have direct access to information and health services, along with guidance from health workers.

 

 Currently, the PAP Bill has garnered sufficient support but still needs to be prioritized in the agenda to complete the interpellation process and proceed to a vote in the Senate.

 

“This is the right time to unite and strengthen the call for the passage of this law. This law is not just for young parents but also aims to protect Filipino youth from violence. The PAP Bill is a crucial step towards promoting the rights of youth and women. Through this, we ensure proper information, support, and protection for their bodies, sexuality, and future. It is time to encourage our lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of the youth and women. Let us collectively advocate for a humane, safe, and just society. Let’s support the PAP Bill—a gift of unity and responsibility for the future of youth and women!” Santiago ended. ###

 

Photos of the Senate rally for PAP can be accessed here:

https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0274aNweXzu24HSzJ8wUFqshia2b1tEPSmLVSomKYuNsA7fKVFfttEoB3s9pmdGRUQl

 

https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0376RzysU1FXBycwHFyL7MwMagKbsgoAPv4eE1wK173TYFVkuhKZiyKoeUtZ4yJDQFl

November 26, 2024

Partido Manggagawa Kabataan

Tara Kabataan