The problems of teen pregnancy and spread of HIV/AIDS in our country are undeniably serious.
Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial is correct in saying that these problems should be dealt with out-of-the-box solutions and that “business-as-usual” approach does not make sense in solving these problems.
There were strong reactions against the “plan” of the Department of Health (DoH) to distribute condoms in schools.
Many believe that condom distribution will worsen the problem as it will encourage pre-marital sex. Those who are against the plan see condom distribution by the government as an authoritative way of telling students that it is okay to engage in pre-marital sex as long as condom is used. Still, many opined that with such message and the natural adventurous nature of the youth, they will most likely “experiment” on the opposite – pre-marital sex without condom.
Contrary to what were reported in the media, there are no concrete plans yet about condom distribution as details of the DoH program still need to be worked out with the Department of Education. Working out these program details is not simple and easy. Education Secretary Leonor Briones herself regards the DoH program as “very sensitive.” The Education Secretary sees the need to ensure that program does not turn out to be “an instrument of inapt promotion of promiscuity and debasement of moral values.”
Health Secretary Ubial clarified that the “condom distribution” component of the program is not really what the common notion suggests – DoH personnel or teachers giving out condoms to students in classrooms. The plan is have condom accessible to students and there will be “sex education” and counseling first before condoms are given out to those who need or want them.
When one sees this issue in the light of Filipino culture, including the Roman Catholic faith of majority of Filipinos as well as the opposition of the Catholic church on artificial birth control methods like the use of condom, the issue is indeed very sensitive even if the program calls for mere easy accessibility of students to condom supply.
Is the program of DoH the appropriate “out-of-the-box” solution to the teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS problems in our country? Is the DoH certain that these problems will be solved and not worsen with such program or strategy?
(To be continued) (Dr. Ramon Ricardo A. Roque, CESOI, Diplomate)