Luistro to review first sex ed subject once he assumes office

By Marie Surbano

06/26/2010

The implemetation of the controversial sex education in both private and public schools may be put on hold after incoming Education Secretary La Salle Bro. Armin Luistro opted to review it first once he assumes office.

“I want to focus on programs that need to be continued because I’m sure there are also programs there that are actually good. But there are also programs that have to be reviewed such as this sex ed issue,” Luistro said.

The influential Catholic Church had declared its opposition to the controversial program since it was convinced it would promote promiscuity and encourage early practice of sexuality outside marriage among the youth.

Luistro, however, admitted he was not aware of the contents of the so-called modules on sex education.

“I don’t know anything about the modules so I cannot say anything about the program right now,” he said.

Luistro stressed on the importance of having a consultation with different stakeholders regarding the issue.

“We have different definitions of sex ed. I think the question that should be asked is not if you are in favor or not, rather what kind of education should be given,” he said.

During the June 18 consultation organized by DepEd to discuss the inclusion of sex education in the subjects of grade school and high school students, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines did not send any representative, indicating its opposition to the plan of the Education department.

With four more days left before he assume his post in DepEd, Luistro said he would rather focus on who will replace him as president of the De La Salle University in Manila.

“I have really not spent any time thinking about that (sex ed). I also don’t have marching orders yet from President Aquino so I’m still waiting for that,” he added.

“My priority right now is my replacement. I cannot just leave things behind… because this happened so fast I didn’t plan this,” Luistro said.

Last Thursday, Luistro reportedly accepted the invitation of President-elect Aquino to be the next Secretary of Education and replace Mona Valisno.

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