DOH on condom distribution in schools: We have to think out of the box

Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial on Monday said that the agency had be controversial and think out of the box in its campaign to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

"We have to be controversial and we have to think outside the box. Sabi ko nga hindi na tayo puwedeng business as usual, business unusual na tayo," Ubial said in a press conference.

Ubial was referring to the Department of Health's (DOH) move to distribute condoms in public high schools as part of its campaign against HIV/AIDS.

"I announced it, that we will make condoms available pero hindi naman left and right yung distribution. May kasamang education, may kasamang campaign for the prevention of HIV/AIDS," she said.

Ubial also noted that condom distribution is the last resort of the DOH in its ABCs of safe sex adopted from the advocacy of the late senator Juan Flavier.

"The number one campaign is abstinence and delaying sexual debut. 'B' is be faithful and make sure your partner is faithful, kung hindi ma-practice yung A. But if you cannot practice yung A and B, use condom. Yung condom use is the last resort," Ubial said.

She added that the distribution of condoms to a student is not automatic. She said the students need to first undergo a briefing with school officials.

"Ang pag-distribute ng condom is our way for information dissemination and education so when the students come forward... tatanungin sila kung kamusta sila and then if they are practicing [pre-marital sex], therefore dun sila bibigyan. If they are practicing unprotected sex, that’s the time bibigyan sila ng condom," Ubial said.

On Friday, the DOH chief said the condom distribution will be a venue to discuss to the youth the prevention of HIV/AIDS since other countries also adopt the same strategy.

"This is a strategy that is evidence-based. Marami na pong pagsusuri sa ibang bansa, na even in Catholic schools ginawa po nila itong strategy na ito. And hindi po dumami ang nagse-sex, kung hindi kumonti 'yung teenage pregnancies at kumonti ang nagkakaroon ng sexually-transmitted infection," Ubial said.

Ubial clarified the strategy was only presented during the Philippine National AIDS Council meeting and has yet to discussed with the Department of Education.

Meanwhile, Ubial said the DOH would soon provide a module to public school teachers on the proper education of HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted infections.

"Meron tayong ginawa na module for how to introduce HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in the schools. Ito ay dini-distribute natin at tinutulungan natin yung DepEd on how to train the teachers,” she said.

Ubial added that the module provides a guide for teachers in using politically correct terms in class due the "uncomfortable" nature of the topic.

“Problema dati na hindi comfortable ang karamihan ng teachers natin na magbigay ng sexuality and sex education. Ito ay guide nila so that politically correct yung mga sinasabi nila,” she said. —ALG, GMA News