DepEd says sex-lesson guide for tutors, not students

By Jonathan M. Hicap
Reporter

THE Department of Education has clarified that the lesson guides on sex education that were ordered recalled were meant for teachers and not students.
“Contrary to some reports, the use of the lesson guides on adolescent reproductive health has been put on hold while consultations with some sectors are being arranged,” Hidalgo said.
The Catholic Church had protested the use of the guides.
The lesson guides were issued to the Parañaque High School and Pateros National High School, which served as the pilot schools for the implementation of the program.
Earlier this week, Hidalgo recalled the guides and ordered a detailed evaluation and additional consultation. Only 40 guides had been distributed to the teachers in the two schools.
“Besides putting the use of these lesson guides on hold, they are also being reevaluated based on the feedback from concerned individuals and groups. It should be emphasized however that these lesson guides are meant for teachers, and not for use by students,” she said.
Hidalgo said the department welcomes the concern of the Church, which is the reason why the department is asking for a consultative meeting with Church officials, as well as with Dr. Angelita Aguirre of the Makati Medical Center since she, too, had raised several concerns over the lesson guides.
“We share the Church’s concern over such a sensitive issue and we hope that we can work things out with them in relation to the issue,” Hidalgo added.