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Sex ed not Bro. Luistro's priority


Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro said on Friday the controversial sex education program will not be his priority. In his first press conference, Luistro said he intends to resolve in two years the more pressing problem of shortage of classrooms and teachers. Luistro says this is marching order of President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III, whose flagship program is anchored on education. Luistro, who showed more composure in dealing with members of the media, says he will hold a dialogue with education stakeholders, including religious groups, before DepEd comes out with a decision about sex education. Luistro recently figured in a run-in with reporters when asked about his stand on the controversial issue of sex education. He became the first Cabinet member of the Aquino administration to undergo a media seminar. In the Friday press conference, Luistro declined to disclose his stand on the issue, saying his personal position may prejudice his role as a “bridge" to the opposing parties. “I will talk with an open mind to all. My experience is that you could bring people, even those who oppose each other, to a room and talk and discuss openly," he says. He says his background as a Catholic Religious Brother should not be taken against him because he will make his decision based on what is good for the Filipino youth. The DepEd claims its sex education modules focus on adolescence, health, wellness, values, and character development for students from Grade Five to Fourth Year High School. Under the plan, some of the sex education topics to be tackled are the reproductive system, parts of the body, reproductive cycle, and puberty. Catholic groups, however, oppose the plan, saying the modules lack topics about the emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of human sexuality. –VVP, GMANews.TV

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