SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday welcomed the Department of Education’s decision to reinstate age- and development-appropriate reproductive health education in the basic education curriculum, in line with the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act.

“I commend the Department of Education for heeding our call to revert to the teaching of age- and development-appropriate reproductive health education to our adolescent learners, which is consistent with the law,” Gatchalian said.

The senator stressed the need to strengthen the role of parents and local government units in the program through the Parent Effectiveness Service.

“In teaching RH education, it is crucial to enhance the participation of our parents, especially since they play an important role in guiding our students on these sensitive topics,” he added.

The initiative is expected to improve students’ knowledge on reproductive health, encourage responsible decision-making, and help address issues such as teenage pregnancy.