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Last December 2016, DOH (Department of Health) and DepEd (Department of Education) discussed about implementing a protective project. The project that DOH come up with is to distribute condoms to high school students. This is to reduce the victim of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) youth victims, and also to reduce early pregnancy. These agencies aim to enforce this project this year 2017. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Ubial said the Department of Health, in tandem with the Department of Education, will teach the "ABC" framework: "Abstinence, Being faithful, and Condom use."
"Our main advocacy for young people and the youth is actually abstinence and delaying sexual debut. And if they cannot do that... be faithful, so have only one partner," Ubial said (quoted by CCN Philippines).
"C is condom use, which is the last resort in terms of protecting your self from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections," she added.
These condoms will be distributed to school clinics or health centers. Condoms cannot be distributed carelessly, those students who will receive will undergo to counseling. On the other hand, teachers will be trained on how to inform students about sex education. Parents are encouraged to be direct, when their children ask regarding this sensitive issue.
Do you agree to this new proposal? It may be a truly a way to reduce the victims of HIV, AIDS, and early pregnancy... But we Filipinos are living in a conservative country, and conservative people. We value ethics, moral, most importantly our religion. These preventives are considered a sin on our religion, because life shouldn't be prevented. To our religion it is a form of killing. But, of course it all depends to the person. If students are given condoms, that doesn't mean they have to use it. Though to other students, some of them might think "why not have sex, I’m safe." Safe from responsibility, and obligation. It is up to the person if they will value their pride and religion.
We cannot judge these persons for pushing the project. The DOH just aims for the citizen to be safe, while DepEd just want for the students finish their studies. These sectors keep finding a solution to country's problem and doing their own responsibility. As for me, even if I am against or not to the proposal, I will just keep on living protecting my dignity and pride. I respect and value our morals, tradition, and religion. You, you also have your own choice. Whether this project may be implemented or not, we continue on living, doing our duties and commitment to the Lord.