ABSTRACT

   Comprehensive sex education plays a crucial role in equipping young individuals with accurate knowledge, critical thinking, and responsible decision- making, yet misconceptions and cultural taboos often hinder its acceptance. This study examines the level of awareness and conceived attitudes of senior high school students and their parents toward sex education, serving as the foundation for a proposed intervention program. The research addresses the existing gap in understanding and acceptance of comprehensive sex education where awareness and attitudes vary based on demographic factors, cultural influences, and prior exposure to sex education. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed, utilizing adopted and modified survey questionnaires to gather data from selected 104 students and their parents at FEU High School. Findings revealed moderate awareness levels on certain  sex  education  dimensions  and diverse attitudes, with some resistance from cultural norms and personal and religious beliefs. The study concludes that a well- structured intervention program is essential to enhance knowledge, foster open discussions, and promote positive attitudes. It is recommended that schools implement inclusive and culturally sensitive sex education programs, alongside parental discussions at home to address misconceptions and reinforce informed perspectives.

KEYWORDS

Attitudes; Awareness; Intervention Program; Sex Education

REFERENCES

Alfeche, C. (2017). Sexuality Education: A Way Forward towards Enhanced Biology Curriculum Delivery. Journal of Education and Social Sciences, JESOC.

Arriola, K. J. M., Bactad, J. M. A., Isabedra, D. a. K., & Libatique, K. M. M. (2019, March 18). Fifty Shades of Education: A Qualitative Study on the Perspective of Catholic Senior High School Students from Selected Catholic Schools in Quezon City on the Implementation of Sex Education in the K-12 Curriculum. https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/AAJ MRA/article/view/3171

Bongco, R. T., & David, A. P. (2020). Filipino teachers’ experiences as curriculum policy implementers in the evolving K to 12 landscape. Issues  in  Educational  Research, 30(1),  19–34. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1243578

Cedos Think Tank. (2020). Awareness and Attitudes of Teachers and Parents to Comprehensive Sexuality Education [Research Study, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)]. https://ukraine.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub- pdf/sexual_education_engl.pdf

Córdoba, J. & Ripoll, M. (2007). The Role of Education in Development. Working Paper, 311. University of Pittsburgh, Department of Economics, revised May 2007

Dyson, S., & Mitchell, A. (2005). Sex education and unintended pregnancy: are we seeing the results? Australian Health Review, 29(2), 135. https://doi.org/10.1071/ah050135

Esohe, K., & Peterinyang, M. (2015). Parents Perception of the Teaching of Sexual Education in Secondary Schools in Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology. ISSN 2348 – 7968. https://ijiset.com/vol2/v2s1/IJISET_V2_I1_13.pdf

Frost, J. J., & Forrest, J. D. (1995). Understanding the impact of effective teenage pregnancy prevention programs. Family Planning Perspectives, 27(5),188. https://doi.org/10.2307/2136274

Gabb, J. (2004). Sexuality education: how children of lesbian mothers ‘learn’ about sex/uality. Sex Education, 4(1), 19–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/1468181042000176515

Ganchimeg, T., Ota, E., Morisaki, N., Laopaiboon, M., Lumbiganon, P., Zhang, J., Yamdamsuren, B., Temmerman, M., Say, L., Tunçalp, Ö., Vogel, J., Souza, J., & Mori, R. (2014). Pregnancy and childbirth outcomes among adolescent mothers: a World Health Organization multicountry study. Bjog: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 121, 40–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.12630

Gumban, G., Martos, R. J., Rico, K. W., Bernarte, R., & Tuason, I. (2016). Let’s Talk About Sex: Parental Communication and Sexual Behavior of Male Filipino Youth. Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. https://www.apjmr.com/wp- content/uploads/2016/05/APJMR-2016.4.2.17.pdf

Iqbal, M. (2021). The level of knowledge and awareness about sex and reproductive health among adolescents in Kashmir. Journal  of  Psychosexual  Health, 3(1),  51–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/2631831821989927

Jiin Kim, Jin Huh, Sung-Sang Yoo. Implementation of reproductive health education in a Filipino city: A case study. International Journal of Educational Development. Volume 100. 2023. 102778. ISSN 0738-0593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2023.102778. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S07380 59323000548)

Juan, Christina P., Elma P. Laguna, and Thomas W. Pullum. 2019. Trends of Sexual and Reproductive Health Behaviors among Youth in the Philippines: Further Analysis of the 2008, 2013, and 2017 National Demographic and Health Surveys. DHS Further Analysis Reports No. 127. Rockville, Maryland, USA: ICF.

Kahn, S. M., Maramba, A. J., Nombrefia, K. Y., & Valdez, G. L. (2022). Kwento Nila: The Lived Experiences of Young Non- Binary Filipinos Living in Philippine Society [Unpublished Thesis,  De  La  Salle  University  Integrated School]. https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewconte nt.cgi?article=1098&context=conf_shsrescon

Kee-Jiar, Y., & Shih-Hui, L. (2020). A systematic review of parental attitude and preferences towards implementation of sexuality education. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 9(4), 971. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v9i4.20877

La Bella, V. (2014, January 19). Incorporating Sexuality Education in the Public School System: Perceptions from the Philippines | Education and Development. https://educationanddevelopment.files.wordpress.com/201 3/11/victoria-la-bella-6103332-final-thesis-ids-jan-19-2014.pdf

Lalnunfeli, D., & Malsawmi, H. (2017). Construction of an Attitude Scale towards Sex Education and a Study of Stakeholders’ Attitude towards Sex Education at the Secondary School Level [Mizoram University]. http://www.mizedujournal.com/images/resourc es/v3/v3n2.pdf#page=42

Manalastas, E. J., Ojanen, T., Torre, B., Ratanashevorn, R., Hong, B., Kumaresan, V., & Veeramuthu, V. (2017). Homonegativity in Southeast Asia: Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay Men in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam [Research Article, De La Salle University]. https://pages.upd.edu.ph/sites/default/files/ej manalastas/files/manalastas_et_al_2017_homonegativity_s e_asia.pdf

Martins, A., Pereira, M., Andrade, R., Dattilio, F. M., Narciso, I., & Canavarro, M. C. (2015). Infidelity in Dating Relationships: Gender-Specific  correlates  of  Face-to-Face  and  Online Extradyadic Involvement. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45(1), 193–205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-015-0576-3

Ndlangisa, N. J. (1999). Perceptions of adolescents and their parents on the content and source of sex education. Unpublished masters' thesis, Umtata: University of Transkei.

Ohlström, T. (2016). “We can make great things happen with sexuality education”: Pre-service teachers’ perceptions of sexuality education: A Minor Field Study in the Philippines. DIVA. http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A935696&dswid=- 6157

Oshri, A. (2009). Book Review: Sexuality in Adolescence: Current Trends, edited by Susan Moore and Doreen Rosenthal. New York: Routledge, 2006, 294 pp. (paperback). Journal of Adolescent Research, 24(2), 268–270. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558408329848

Potard, C., Courtois, R., & Rüsch, E. (2008). The influence of peers on risky sexual behaviour during adolescence. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 13(3), 264–270. https://doi.org/10.1080/13625180802273530

Rivera, R., Apilan, A., Gingoyon, K., Lim, J. P., Palomas, L. K., Patangan, P. J., Patron, C. M., Perez, D., Plaza, D. V., Sabordo, K., Ocampo, L. M., & Macababat, C. (2011). Level of Awareness and Behavioral Compliance on Sexuality Education among Selected Fourth Year High School Students in Florencio Urot Memorial National High School, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City: Basis for Enhanced Behavioral Compliance Program on Sexuality Education [UndergraduateThesis]. https://cdu.herdin.ph/ind ex.php?view=research&cid=45422&layout=default_full

Salvador, J. T., Sauce, B. R. J., Alvarez, M. O. C., & Rosario, A. B. (2016). The  phenomenon  of  teenage  pregnancy  in  the Philippines. European Scientific Journal ESJ, 12(32), 173. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2016.v12n32p173

Sherpa, T. (2021). 210— Factors affecting teenage pregnancy in the Philippines. KnightScholar. https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day- symposium/great-day-2021/posters-2021/112/

Singh, R. (2012). - A Study of Attitude towards Sex-Education as Perceived by Parents and Teachers. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/pub lication/232175312_-_A_Study_of_Attitude_towards_Sex- Education_as_Perceived_by_Parents_and_Teachers

Stuti, P. K., Ashwathy, A. N., Shalini, P., Serena, A., Akhila, A., Grace, M. J. & Trina, B. (2022). Sexual Health Awareness Scale (S.H.A.S). The International Journal of Indian Psychology. Volume   10,   Issue   4.   ISSN   2348-5396. DOI: 10.25215/1004.074. https://ijip.in/wp- content/uploads/2022/12/18.01.074.20221004.pdf

Tabei, K., Cuisia-Cruz, E. S. S., Smith, C., & Seposo, X. (2021). Association between Teenage Pregnancy and Family Factors: An Analysis of the Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey 2017. Healthcare, 9(12), 1720. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121720

University of the Philippines Population Institute (2022, October 14). Zoom in, zoom out: Filipino youth in focus [PowerPoint slides]. Population Institute, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines. https://www.uppi.upd.edu.ph/sites/default/files/pdf/ YAFS5_National Dissemination_Slides_FINAL.pdf

2024_Q3 HIV AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines.pdf. (2024). Google Docs. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tXfiftcJ6dtszkgcBPh QzBjf16Scp1th/view

Advocates for Youth. (2023, July 12). Sexuality Education - Advocates for Youth. https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/resources/fact- sheets/sexuality-education-2/

Beetham, G. (2023b, July 20). 70% of parents want better sex education for their kids. Parents. https://www.parents.com/the-state-of-sex- education-today-7497738

Department of Education. 2018. Policy guidelines on the implementation of the comprehensive sexuality education. Department of Education. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/DO_s2018_031-1.pdf.

Department of Health Philippines. (2011). National Objectives for Health: Philippines 2011-2016. Health Sector Reform Agenda Monographs.

Goals of Sex Education for Teenagers | Youth Health Services. (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/for-educators/what-are-goals-sex-education-youth

Jaymalin, M. (2019, March 31). Sex discussions still taboo in Filipino homes—Popcom. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/ 2019/04/01/1906327/sex-discussions-still-taboo-filipino-homes-popcom

Martin. (2023, October 19). Health - United Nations Sustainable Development.United Nations Sustainable Development. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/

Monserate, V. a. P. B. L. (2018, January 27). Sex education in PH schools still lacking – UNFPA. Youth Advocacy for Millenials. https://leinardmonserate560541702.wordpress.c om/2018/01/27/sex-education-in-ph-schools-still-lacking- unfpa/

Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (2013, March 18). Implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10354|GOVPH.https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/03/ 18/implementing-rules-and-regulations-of-republic-act-no- 10354/

Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. (2022). More Pinoy youth engage in risky sexual activities, survey confirms. In Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/news_and_u pdates/more-pinoy-youth-engage-in-risky-sexual-activities- survey-confirms/

Romulo, R. R. (2020, November 26). Teen pregnancy: A national social emergency. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/busines s/2020/11/27/2059656/teen-pregnancy-national-social-emergency

Sex education not enough, better collaborative efforts to combat teen pregnancy pushed. (2023). https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the- news/sex-education-not-enough-better-collaborative- efforts-to-combat-teen-pregnancy-pushed

Tagupa, H. (2020, October 16). Ready to tackle teen sexuality? | Inquirer Opinion. INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/134497/ready-to-tackle-teen- sexuality

Teenage pregnancies in Philippines rise 70-percent over 10 years – UNFPA. (2012, September 12). The RH Bill Resource Page. https://rhbillresourcepage.wordpress.com/2012/04/2 7/teenage-pregnancies-in-philippines-rise-70-percent-over- 10-years-unfpa/

 Thoreson, R. (2023). “Just Let Us Be.” In Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/06/22/just-let-us-be/discrimination-against-lgbt-students-philippines

UNESCO. (2013). The Right to Education. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved from: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading theinternationalgenda/righttoeducation/

Nichols, Z. (2020, December 15). Sex Education in the Philippines. The Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/sex-education-in-the- philippines/

Yamat, K., Hernandez, J. K., Salas, K. M., Soliman, K. B., & Delos Reyes, R. C. (2023). Should sex education in the Philippines remain taboo? Journal of Social Health. https://doi.org/10.61072/j.osh.2023.524

Abrigo, M., & Paqueo, V. (2016). The Irony of RH Law Critics’ Opposition to Comprehensive Sex Education. In Philippine Institute for Development Studies (No. 2016–53). Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/ pidsdps1653.pdf

Cruz, G., & Cruz, C. J. (2013). Parents Speak: Filipino Fathers’ and Mothers’ Perspectives on Sex Education [Research Journal, University  of  the  Philippines  Population Institute]. https://iussp.org/sites/default/files/event_call_fo r_papers/IUSSP%20presentation%20-%20Parents%20speak%20%28Cruz%20and%20Cruz%29.pdf

Cruz, R. J. P., & Chua, E. N. (2022). Level of Knowledge and Attitude on Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Basis for designing career and life skills based instructional materials for senior High school. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 11(7), 1858–1879. https://doi.org/10.21275/sr22723103048

Gallao, M., Daniel, P., Faylogna, D. S., Galivo, A., Guerrero, N. J., & Taqueban, M. A. (2020). Sex Education: Level of Knowledge and Its Effects on the Sexual Behavior and Opinions Among the Government Senior High School Students of Vigan City SY 2018-2019. The Southeast Asian Conference on Education 2020, 239–256. https://papers.iafor.org/submission55943/

View of culture and comprehensive sexuality education in the Philippines. (2018). https://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pssr/article/ view/7912/6900