THE DEPARTMENT of Education has acknowledged significant challenges in implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), especially for out-of-school youth.

According to DepEd Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban, the program currently only reaches students in formal schools, leaving out-of-school youth— many of whom experience teenage pregnancy— without direct interventions.

During a Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros called on government agencies to address this gap, urging community-based efforts to assist out-of-school youth, encourage school re-entry, provide support for young mothers, and prevent repeat pregnancies.

Galban also cited other challenges slowing CSE implementation, including limited teacher familiarity with CSE content and poor coordination with agencies like the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in delivering adolescent health and wellness services.

One key challenge is equipping teachers with the necessary skills and sensitivity to effectively teach CSE. Galban noted that DepEd has trained 400,000 teachers, focusing on preparing them to handle complex, sensitive topics. However, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing older students and adolescents in schools in line with the law.

The exclusion of out-of-school youth remains a significant concern, as they are particularly vulnerable to early pregnancies and lack access to reproductive health education. Without targeted interventions, the government risks widening the gap in addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancies and related issues.

DepEd has called for stronger interagency collaboration and greater stakeholder support to make CSE more inclusive. Expanding the program’s scope aims to equip all young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.