New DepEd Sec Vows Review of Sex Education Program

MANILA, June 25, 2010-Incoming Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro said he will conduct a comprehensive review of the sex education program as soon as he assumes his post.

Luistro of the La Sallian Brothers, a Catholic religious order, vowed to take steps to make sure the sex education modules do not contradict Christian values.

While there are programs of the education department that needs to be continued, he said, the issue on sex education is something that needs careful assessment.

Along with President-elect Benigno Aquino III, Luistro was at the Manila Hotel yesterday night during the awarding for the outstanding Manilans.

'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 has to be reviewed such as this sex education issue," he told reporters.

Church officials and conservative groups such as the Catholic political party Ang Kapatiran are opposed to the program for fear that it could promote promiscuity and early practice of sexuality outside marriage among the youth.

Luistro, however, admitted not being 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," said the current president of De La Salle University, one of the country's best.

Still, Luistro underscored the importance of having a consultation with parents and various stakeholders on the matter.

'We have different definitions of sex education. 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.

In the meantime Luistro said he is more focused on who will replace him as president of the DLSU in Manila.

"I have really not spent any time thinking about that (sex education). I also don't have marching orders yet from Pres. Aquino so I'm still waiting for that," he said.

"My priority right now is my replacement. I cannot just leave things behind...because this happened so fast I didn't plan this," added Luistro.

On Thursday, Luistro accepted the invitation of the incoming Aquino to be the next Secretary of the Department of Education. (CBCPNews)