Integration of

HIV Education in the

Curriculum
Eddy N. Razon
Crown Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Pasig City
October 24, 2014
The PLHIV Perspective
What the Law says
RA 8504. Article 1-Information and Education
The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), the
Commission on Higher Education(CHED), and the Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), utilizing official information
provided by the Department of Health, shall integrate instruction
on the causes, modes of transmission and ways of
preventing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted
diseases in subjects taught in public and private schools
at intermediate grades, secondary and tertiary levels,
including non-formal and indigenous learning systems .
The Good Practices
RA 8504 mandates integration of HIV/AIDS Education in the
Curriculum
Age appropriate and Gender sensitive Modules developed by
DepEd
Conducted Training of Trainors among DepEd Supervisors for
possible Roll out in Provinces, Cities and Municipality level.
School observance to advocacy activities such as World AIDS
Day campaign.
The passage of Reproductive Health law can be an good entry
point for HIV and Education
Engagement of NGOs, Support Groups and other CSOs in the
conduct of HIV and AIDS Awareness in Schools
Establishment of Catholic Education Association in the Phils.
Gaps and Challenges
Slow/non-roll out of HIV and AIDS Module among schools and
different departments of Education in the country.
HIV and Awareness activity in schools were being conducted
as part of special events like World AIDS Day only.
Teachers were not confident enough to teach HIV and AIDS
topic among students in schools particularly elementary and
high schools because of fear that might lead to sex education.
Catholic Schools come up with their own version of HIV and
AIDS module and try to avoid discussion on Condom use.
It was not defined and identified in the K212 new curriculum
were to put HIV and AIDS topic on subjects.
Gaps and Challenges
There were no mechanism to monitor the implementation of
this new program in the department.
Those trained personnel from DepEd are not the one directly
involved in providing skills among potential teaching staff.
The module which was developed by the Catholic Church
were not addressing the actual need of our young people
particularly those who were enrolled in schools.
YAPS Survey findings that young people age 15-24 can only
identify few correct information about HIV and AIDS and
misconception is predominant.
Recommendations
The Positive Community plays a vital role in the Prevention
effort in the country, they should be consulted at the start of
planning and implementation process.
Its not enough to give the Basic information about the
disease, but it is also critical if we give face to the disease by
sharing the life experience of PLHIVs, as one way to create
impact among target audience.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Law can be utilized as an
entry point to HIV and AIDS education
Human Rights and HIV and AIDS should be part in the module
as way to Reduce Stigma and Discrimination among PLHIVs
Behavior Change Communication Strategies should also been
discuss.
Recommendations
Values formation should start within the Family as one way to mold
the mindset of the Children.
Parents of children in school should also been given information on
HIV and AIDS likewise topic about Gender Sex and Sexuality.
Discussion related to Poverty that lead to Sex work and HIV infecton.
Search engine such as multi-media and social networking sites can
be a good channel for good Communication strategies.
Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAATs, composed of DOH, DepEd,
DILG and DSWD) in partnership with PNAC should come up with
Monitoring and Evaluation plan if HIV and AIDS module in school
were being implemented
Association of Schools and University Student Councils in the
country can be tap to include HIV and AIDS Awareness as their
regular activities.
THANK YOU