Controversy surrounds Philippine sex education plans
21/06/2010
A new sex education programme in the Philippines that aims to address the country's overpopulation problems has garnered criticisms from the conservative Roman Catholic church.
The religious institution has considerable influence in the country, where talk of sex is still taboo in many quarters, and it is asking for a repeal of government plans to introduce sex education into public schools.
According to Irin News, the population growth rate of more than two per cent per year is being blamed for massive poverty in the Philippines, which is currently home to 92 million people.
Education secretary Mona Valisno told the news provider: "Our role here is to educate the young people on issues that directly affect them and empower them to make informed choices and decisions."
Irin News recently reported that the upcoming storm season in the Philippines could put many lives in danger, with a number of residents in poorer areas of the country having returned to properties destroyed by typhoons eight months ago.
Written by Dan Parr
