Moreover of the goodness that the RH bill wants to impose, I still see little things that needs criticism. I was just moved by a blog that I've read earlier this morning that criticized some points of Bishop Socrates Villegas during the Anti-RH Bill Rally so here you have it ladies and gentlemen.
SEC. 12. Integration of Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Component in Anti-Poverty Programs
A multi-dimensional approach shall be adopted in the implementation of policies and programs to fight poverty. Towards this end, the DOH shall endeavor to integrate a responsible parenthood and family planning component into all antipoverty and other sustainable human development programs of government, with corresponding fund support. The DOH shall provide such programs technical support, including capacity-building and monitoring.
Rapid growth of the population certainly leads to many things and one of which is poverty as how this section of the bill stated. I define poverty as lack of resources vs. the heads that equally needed it; be it food, clothing, shelter, etc. It is an effect of a cause and you cannot directly say that the blowing number of people that are born in this world, specifically on our country, became the cause of poverty. Politicians, to mention the senators and the congressmen are provided with their yearly fair budget allocation which is famously know as PORK BARREL.
Many people that are living today did not have the opportunity to study whether in private or public which is a major pre-requisite of employment. Very few of the indigenous communities that dominated the highlands received such education they also needed to be equipped. Some who finished 2-year courses or even graduated with a degree sometimes find it hard to get employed. These "SOME" people altogether creates a huge percentage of unemployment which causes them to experience poverty. Just in my opinion, why do we have to create another bill that would require another financial appropriation, if just in this field of employment, the government (this is the only appropriate term I can use since they're also with it) cannot provide MORE WORK for the under-educated/un-educated/unemployed? We often see local government projects such as new fly-overs, new street lighting, renovation of city halls, street painting, new basketball courts, new etc.etc.. These are not essential, though it beautifies. But who needs beauty when the people starve? It's like a gorgeous woman who spent hundreds and thousands just to look that way but left not a penny to spend on her meals. Beauty fades - in a woman's perspective. In time it will grow old, so why invest on something that doesn't last?
I overheard some relatives talking about how much was spent on the renovation of our new town's city hall. Having it done makes it look like a hotel inside. There's nothing wrong with it but I have to note here that this isn't the first time it was renovated. Ever since I can recall, it's the 3rd or 4th time it was done, and the budget used was adorably huge. But I passed on our city since our city's residents receives ample supplies they need. Services such as dental, health, and educational are never forgotten despite the always-present corruption happening beneath it all. Now look at those places such as Mindanao. Each city/town in Mindanao has their own gov't representative, but looking at the people through GMA news documentary that I've watched featuring pork barrels, schools especially those turned down by the rebels never get to be renovated. Students forbear thumb-long pencils and just a pad of now-so-new paper rolled and kept on their hand-me-down uniform pockets so on and so forth. It was never a picture of a progressive place. You might have watched the president's SONA yearly. I must say there wasn't a poor-looking congressman that enters the hall; All are wheeled with luxurious car upon their arrival but their looks never, even once, represented how their place was. They don't look like they represent such places where they belong. How can they choke on their deeds? I just wonder....
Going back to the poverty issue. My point is just that, in our place I must say, even without the RH Bill, our city government provides lectures to mother's regarding family planning and safety education. Laws are implemented for the people to follow. Most people do not follow the law. So now, what's the use?
SEC. 16. Mandatory Age-Appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education
Age-appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall be taught by adequately trained teachers in formal and non-formal educational system starting from Grade Five up to Fourth Year High School using life skills and other approaches. The Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall commence at the start of the school year immediately following one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act to allow the training of concerned teachers. The Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the DSWD, and the DOH shall formulate the Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education curriculum. Such curriculum shall be common to both public and private schools, out of school youth, and enrollees in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) based on, but not limited to, the psychosocial and the physical wellbeing, the demography and reproductive health, and the legal aspects of reproductive health.
Age-appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall be integrated in all relevant subjects and shall include, but not limited to, the following topics:
- (a) Values formation;
- (b) Knowledge and skills in self protection against discrimination, sexual violence and abuse, and teen pregnancy;
- (c) Physical, social and emotional changes in adolescents;
- (d) Children’s and women’s rights;
- (e) Fertility awareness;
- (f) STI, HIV and AIDS;
- (g) Population and development;
- (h) Responsible relationship;
- (i) Family planning methods;
- (j) Proscription and hazards of abortion;
- (k) Gender and development; and
The DepEd, CHED, DSWD, TESDA and DOH shall provide concerned parents with adequate and relevant scientific materials on the age-appropriate topics and manner of teaching Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education to their children.
- (l) Responsible parenthood.
What good does it bring in educating the innocent minds? What good does it cause to liberated youths abroad? The bill or the schools wouldn't teach liberation, but where would it lead? It will open young minds. (Hello, grade 5? Srsly? Nung grade 5 ako wala pa akong muwang sa mundo, even the word BOYRFRIEND is an alien word to me; I would want the same for my future kids!!! Ayoko nung uuwi ang anak ko na parang si baby James and would throw me questions like "Mom, what is HIV again?") It's either they stay away from it, or stick to the idea. There would be lesser rate of early pregnancy, but a higher rate of those who might engage on pre-marital sex. Yes, maybe too early to tell. But what's the main purpose of this bill again, prevention is better than cure.
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