Catholic bishops oppose Cagayan de Oro college’s ‘love ban’

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday said it is against a school policy in Cagayan de Oro City that prohibits students from having a "love affair" with fellow students.

"We are not in favor of this policy," said Bishop Roberto Mallari, chairman of the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education.

Instead of a "love ban," Mallari suggested a program for "values formation and responsible relationships," which the CBCP implements.

The Golden Heritage Polytechnic College in Cagayan de Oro City prohibits students from falling in love.

In a streamer at the school, it warned that a "love affair will surely destroy the life of a young lady student."

The school management's main goal in implementing the "love ban" is to avoid unwanted pregnancy among its students.

It said that parents were consulted and have agreed to the policy.

The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), meanwhile, said that schools can better prepare students for romantic relationships.

"This is a critical context, wherein we build friendships and relationships that cut across time. These are important series of moments when we nurture loving and life-giving relationships," said Anthony Coloma, CEAP Advocacy and Information Management Officer.

"We should not deny these opportunities to them (the students)," he said.

He said the students' ability to build "lifelong and intimate relationships" as adults may be adversely affected by the "love ban." —ALG, GMA News