The education department should consult with parents about sex education in schools instead of relying on Church opinion, a Philippine archbishop says.

Although Church officials are willing to talk with the education department on the controversial issue, parents should also be included, said Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of Pampanga.

“Actually we should not take part in [dialogue] because it is an issue for the parents,” the bishop said.

Bishop Antonio Tobias of Novaliches on June 17 denied reports that a meeting between the Department of Education and Church officials has been scheduled to discuss the issue.

“I don’t have an appointment with any education department officials,” he told Radio Veritas 846.

“Nobody’s made an appointment with me. There’s no formal invitation,” Bishop Tobias said.

Education Assistant Secretary Teresita Inciong was earlier quoted as saying a meeting with Churchmen would thrash out differences on the integration of sex education into the basic curriculum.

Archbishop Aniceto, who heads the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said the education department should “assist” parents instead of taking their “original and primary” roles by teaching children “confidential and private matters” in schools.

He called on officials to provide parents copies of the sex education module.

“Parents should assess whether it’s ethical and could boost moral education and civil efficiency for our youth,” Bishop Aniceto said.

Catholic Bishops’Conference of the Philippines president Bishop Nereo Odchimar of Tandag, earlier said, “There may not be time in the near future” for a consultation with education officials.

Related reports
Bishops call in lawyers over sex education plan
Church ‘main snag’ to school sex education
Bishops to have their say on sex education

PM10119.1606