In a live Facebook interview on Good Morning Philippines by Bombo Radyo CDO on January 19, 2025, Dr. Babia shared his insights on Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) and Senate Bill 1979, also known as the "Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy" bill. Dr. Babia underscored the urgent need for an age-appropriate, culturally relevant curriculum anchored in values-based education. Also, he advocated for integrating academic research to uncover the root causes of adolescent pregnancy and misinformation about reproductive health. “The bill aims to address the high rates of teenage pregnancy by fostering a deeper understanding of reproductive health, reducing stigma, and correcting misinformation,” Dr. Babia explained. However, he pointed out key challenges, such as ensuring age-appropriateness and preparing educators to deliver content effectively.
He also highlighted the importance of tailoring the curriculum to align with local cultural contexts. If the bill becomes law, Dr. Babia emphasized the need for a curriculum that balances cultural sensitivity with moral decision-making, helping students reflect on their values and faith. Dr. Babia commended City College of CDO for proactively addressing these issues through its Urban Nexus for Licensing, Intellectual Property, Research, Innovation, and Creative Enterprise (UNLIRICE) initiatives. He highlighted the institution's commitment to leveraging academic research to contribute to critical social issues like adolescent pregnancy prevention.
Expressing his gratitude to Bombo Laurence of Bombo Radyo CDO for hosting the discussion, Dr. Babia encouraged educators, policymakers, and the public to work collaboratively to ensure the success of initiatives like Senate Bill 1979. Watch the full interview with Dr. Babia here: https://tinyurl.com/BomboRadyoInterview