Much of what teenagers learn about sex comes from the internet, which is often riddled with inaccurate information and myths. Those without proper sex education are especially susceptible to harmful misconceptions.

The lack of comprehensive sex education among young people contributes to the rising cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV (the virus that attacks the immune system and progresses to AIDS when not treated).

This is a particular problem in the Philippines where sex education is not widely available and where there is an HIV epidemic, according to the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

Within the Asia-Pacific area, the Philippines has the quickest-growing HIV rate. This year, every day at least 57 Filipinos have discovered they have HIV. Between 2010 and 2025, the number of HIV cases increased by 550%, going from 4,400 to 29,600. In 2025, more than 250,000 Filipinos are estimated to be living with HIV.

Promoting an abstinence-only education is not enough. There is insufficient evidence that it curbs sexual activity among youth, and it neglects the needs of sexually active young people.

More critically, it deprives young people of essential knowledge about informed consent, leaving them vulnerable to sexual abuse. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive and evidence-based approach that includes information on the utility of contraceptives to prevent teenage pregnancies and STIs.

What is CSE?

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is taught in many countries, and usually includes topics on human sexuality, informed consent, effective contraceptive use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, sexual violence, etc.

Why is CSE problematic in the Philippines?

Although the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 mandates sex education in the curriculum, CSE has not been implemented in all schools, largely due to the influence of the Catholic Church and its hold on conservative Filipino values. For example, some private Catholic schools don’t teach CSE, believing it “encourages” sexual activity.

In 2023, Senator Risa Hontiveros introduced the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill (also known as Senate Bill 1979), which introduces “age and development-appropriate” CSE to the school curriculum, guided by the Department of Education and international standards.

However, some conservative politicians opposed the bill, labelling it ‘woke’. In January, senator Joel Villanueva, along with faith-based group National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution, publicly rejected the bill. Former chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who leads the group, voiced concerns that the proposed curriculum aligns too closely with “Western” and “liberal” standards of sexuality.

President Ferdinand ‘BongBong’ Marcos Jr. also expressed disapproval of the bill, describing it as an “abhorrent” idea.

“You will teach four-year-olds how to masturbate. That every child has the right to try different sexualities. This is ridiculous,” Marcos said. “If this bill is passed in that form, I guarantee all parents, teachers and children: I will immediately veto it.”

Following the criticism, seven senators withdrew their support from the bill. On 22 January, Hontiveros filed a substitute bill, removing the portion that stated that CSE will be guided by international standards. Instead, it will follow a “culture-based” approach, one that values parental authority and religious freedom. (The bill is still with the Senate.)

Much of the conservatism surrounding contentious topics in the Philippines come from the influence of the Catholic Church, which has also prevented authorities from legalising divorce, abortion and same-sex marriage.

Breaking HIV-related stigma

 

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In an era where online misinformation is widespread, evidence-based sex education is vital in protecting and preparing the next generation for the realities of sexual health and well-being. This also highlights the need to debunk several misconceptions and myths.

Well-known Filipino actor Adrian Lindayag, who is open about his own HIV diagnosis, spoke with Harbingers’ Magazine on common myths people tend to believe about HIV/AIDS that he has always wanted to debunk.

“Also,a lot of Filipinos are not aware of the different modes of transmission of HIV.”

Misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS often prevent individuals from seeking early diagnosis and proper intervention,which can lead to more severe health complications and continued spread of infections. Lindayag addresses the need to counter harmful misconceptions through education and awareness campaigns.

“Fear and stigma comes from lack of knowledge, and I say that from experience. I wish that instead of instilling fear in young people, we should educate them about the different modes of transmission of HIV, how the virus works in the body, how they can protect themselves, which clinics they can visit for free testing, and what organisations they can follow on social media to access information,” he continued.

Help is available. The AIDS Society of the Philippines provides prevention strategies to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and support strategies to help those living with the condition.

By integrating CSE into school curriculums, we can create a society free of judgement where people with HIV/AIDS can open up about their experiences.