SURIGAO del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers filed a measure that seeks to integrate programs or courses on environmental protection, entrepreneurship, reproductive health and population control, and drug prevention in the curriculum of elementary and high school students.

House Bill 5202 or the proposed Responsible Youth Act mandates the Department of Education to provide measures and adopt additional changes or adjustment in the elementary and high school curriculum to integrate the said programs within six months from the approval of the law.

The department will also give free training to teachers and staff so that they may be capacitated to incorporate a reality framework in teaching the students.

Barbers stressed that the youth’s passion, dreams, motivation and determination can make a difference in building a nation.

“However, the youth of today face many risks and challenges, including drug addiction, teenage pregnancy and lack of awareness on the pressing issue of global warming, among others. Thus, they need proper guidance and direction to ensure that they are still on the right path in becoming a responsible adult,” he said.

“Discussion of these programs or courses paired with broader and more comprehensive instruction as early as childhood can help prepare youth to reach intellectual and emotional maturity leading to responsible and healthy life decisions. Early intervention has a life altering impact on changing a child’s life path away from problems and toward positive behaviors,” he added.

The lawmaker also urged the education department to formulate age-appropriate topics, messages and teaching methods that are suitable to particular age and developmental levels based on the cognitive, emotional, social and experience levels of students.