Human and Responsible Sexuality

By Wein P. Gadian

AHYDP Peer Counselors with Prof. Roman Sanares. L-R: the writer, Prof. Sanares, Lucy Montealto and Jayrel Gambalan.

Issues and other sex-related subjects (sexual organs, body, and physical expressions) is traditionally a forbidden topic. The topic on sex is often discussed in confusing symbolisms like substituting sexual organs with words like flowers, birds, etc., especially when there are minors around. And it is because of this that a lot of young people have explored their sexuality on their own without proper understanding. Records show that a great number of them engage in premarital sex. Thus a lot of them also experience teenage pregnancy. These things have urged government and non-government sectors to take initiative in organizing projects that would protect the youth. In recognition of the youth's vital role in promoting Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH), the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (AHYDP) was created.

The Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program

Prof. Tan's students on CODE RED: Be aware... beware theatre presentation.

Funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the PO9 project is POPCOM's response to the growing awareness worldwide on the reproductive health issues and concerns of the youth and their significant contribution to future population and health trends. This project is expected to bring together all the resources to develop and implement the programmes for the well-being of the youth, with POPCOM taking the lead in facilitation.

The major achievement of the project is its institutionalization as a major program area of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP). The AHYDP is incorporated in the PPMP's Medium Term Plan for 1993-1998 and in the 1999-2004 program implementation plans. The project reached its major breakthrough when the Philippine Medium Term Youth Development Plan for 1999-2004 under the auspices of the National Youth Commission, included AHYDP as one of the flagship programs under the cross sectoral program.
Innovative projects were also conducted under the AHYDP which included media outreach, skills training and enhancement programs, peer counseling, and support to other youth programs and projects. In Iloilo, youth from different universities were trained on these. Its project includes orientation to youth on various issues related to sexuality. These are done through school or community base symposium and others.

Jayrel discussing Responsible Sexuality

This year AHYDP- Iloilo partnered with Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Inc. (FPOP) in assisting the financial aspects of the program. FPOP is a private, non-stock, and non-profit voluntary organization that promotes quality of life through reproductive health (RH).

Also this year, AHYDP will come up with a peer counselors screening come September 13 – 14 for college and university students. Last August 31, some trained peer counselors along with the FPOP and UPV Gender and Development (GAD) organized an alternative class on Human Sexuality, Responsible Sexuality and other sex related issues.

AHYDP Counselors team during forum last August 31.

The alternative class was attended by students under the divisions of Social Sciences, Humanities, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, School of Technology and College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Also present were Dean Ebonia B. Seraspe, Prof. Florenda P. Española, FPOP's Mona Liza S. Diones, Flor Unigo, Dr. Betty Polido, FPOP's Youth Representative: Emmanuel Lerona and Rhoan Louiege Belgira, AHYDP Peer Counselors: Jayrel Gambalan, Lucy Montealto, Ronald Galaez, Maritess Jane Panes and this writer. Prior to it was a theatre presentation on sexual issues dubbed CODE RED be aware, beware by Professor Vicente Tan.