Sen Gatchalian calls for replacing CSE with RHE in schools

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate panel on basic education, is calling for the removal of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) from schools and its replacement with reproductive health education (RHE).

Gatchalian argues that CSE has deviated from the original intent of the Reproductive Health law, which aimed to teach reproductive health rather than sexuality education.

During a virtual briefing on Wednesday, Gatchalian emphasized that RH Law was designed to teach reproductive health and not sexuality education, noting inconsistencies with DepEd's Department Order No. 31 S. 2018.

He added that DepEd should revoke the order implementing CSE and replace it with a new directive focusing on RHE, highlighting concerns over vague implementation leading to confusion among educators.

Gatchalian also pointed out during a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education that many teachers lack proper training in CSE because it was not part of their pre-service education.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said they are open to temporarily suspending the implementation of CSE while reviewing its flaws and ensuring age-appropriate content.

Gatchalian believes the RH law will be sufficient to address the proliferation of teenage pregnancy.