IPO interpreted the high approval ratings in the lower income classes to the co-relation between family planning and poverty and with the notion that those who have less in life have less in education and less in sex education.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Poor families prefer to have sex education included in the school curriculum, although the majority still shun education on the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, according to a recent survey by the city’s largest university.
Doctor Ma. Linda Arquiza of the Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO), a research arm of the University of Mindanao, presented in a press briefing Monday the results of their survey which showed that respondents belonging to classes D and E — considered as the poor and the poorest — agree that sex education must be incorporated in school curriculum, with 21.85 percent 16.18 percent approval ratings, respectively.
According to Arquiza, about 49.64 percent of Davao City’s population does not favor the incorporation of sex education alongside other subjects taught in schools while 47.91 percent are in favor.
The survey was conducted to 1,400 scientifically-drawn respondents who were asked to describe their opinion on sex education and RH law; and whether they are in favor or not in including sex education on educational trainings. The survey has a +/-3% margin of error.
IPO interpreted the high approval ratings in the lower income classes to the co-relation between family planning and poverty and with the notion that those who have less in life have less in education and less in sex education.
For them, IPO said, sex education may help define their family conditions such as economic, health and opportunities in life.
Respondents whose age ranges from 30 to 42 gave their nod to sex education. Their approval on the subject matter, according to Arquiza, can be attributed to their experiences and perspectives, adding that, it’s a way of expressing that education may also teach them about safe sexual activities.
The survey also said that 47.05 percent of the respondents said that sex education must be taught in high school level while only 1.95 percent believed that it must be included in elementary education. (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)
