Magpale to Tudela Teachers: Remain as Guiding Light

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale reminded teachers to remain as the guiding light for the children following the announcement of the Department of Health (DOH) of its plan to distribute condoms in schools next year.

“Let us continue to be the guiding light of our young people. These are difficult times for everybody. Our moral values are threatened. Now, there is a proposal [by DOH] to give condoms in schools,” said Magpale in a speech during the Teachers’ Night in Tudela town on Tuesday.

Last Friday (December 2), the DOH central office announced that starting next year it will give out condoms in schools nationwide, as part of its efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS among the youth.

The plan was met with criticisms from different quarters including the Catholic Church.

Earlier this week, the vice governor made a stand that she is against the DOH’s plan because it would encourage promiscuity.

Magpale, chairman on committee on women, family and minors, said that while the health department is trying to combat the rising cases of HIV or human immunodeficiency virus, giving condoms in schools is “a degradation of moral values.”

“That is not the solution. Let us guide them and mold them to become good Christians,” Magpale said.

The vice governor urged the teachers to take the lead in instilling good values in the children when they reach the schools.

According to the DOH, a total of 38,114 HIV cases were recorded from 1984 to October 2016 of which 32,099 were tallied from 2011 to 2016.

Records also showed that there were 10,279 HIV cases tallied during the period among 15 to 24 years old. (Kelvin Canizares)

SOURCE: www.cebu.gov.ph