Sexual exploitation and the increased risk of HIV transmission remain significant concerns for adolescent girls and transgender individuals in urban poor communities where comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is often absent.
While the Department of Education implemented a policy in 2018 to introduce comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in schools, out-of-school youth lack access to this vital information, often contributing negative health outcomes such as adolescent pregnancy and HIV transmission.
In 2021, with the support of the Unified Budget, Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Philippines and its partner, Samahan ng Mamamayan - Zone One Tondo Organization (SM-ZOTO), piloted the BESHIE Learning Group Sessions. This out-of-school CSE program targets vulnerable young girls and transgender individuals in Navotas City and Malabon City, aiming to bridge the information gap in these communities.
Melissa Alvarez, a 23-year-old BESHIE facilitator, aspires to empower her community and peers through these sessions, helping them make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and avoid risky behaviors.
The spirit of community service runs in Melissa's family, as her mother is also an active member of the community, having previously worked as a preschool teacher in a daycare center established by SM-ZOTO.
At 16, Melissa participated in sessions on children's rights and protection, leading her to become a child's rights advocate herself, collaborating with various civil society and community-based organizations. In 2022, Melissa formally joined the BESHIE program as a facilitator, expanding her advocacy from children's rights to out-of-school CSE.
“Rights and other social issues are familiar to me, but sexual and reproductive health was less so, as it's not often discussed openly,” Melissa reflects on her initial impression of the OOS-CSE learning modules, which cover sexual and reproductive health and rights topics, including SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression) sensitivity.
“The environment and approach are distinct. It's not traditional; we begin each session with interactive activities, then seamlessly integrate the topics we're discussing,” Melissa explains.
Butch Ablir, Executive Director of SM-ZOTO, said that the project helped provide a space for youth, particularly those who engage in risky sexual behaviors, a space to discuss comprehensive sexuality education.
"This project has been a huge help because it has provided a space to discuss (comprehensive) sexuality education, going beyond the general topic of reproductive health," he explained. Recognizing also the different learning capacities, he mentioned that SM-ZOTO has taken the initiative to make the learning modules easier to understand by translating them to Filipino.
“It's highly effective. Our participants are often young girls and transgender individuals who work nights. Despite having limited rest, they actively engage in the morning sessions.” Melissa noted that the games and activities encourage participation, contrasting with the typical "pen and paper" workshops she previously attended.
Jowelyn Escora, one of SM-ZOTO’s peer educators, shared how participating in the program as a facilitator has also made an impact on her life, especially as a teenage girl.
Jowelyn said SM-ZOTO has allowed her to become more open and aware. "Before joining, as a 17-year-old, I wasn't really open to discussing issues like STIs, HIV, child rights, and human rights,” she said. Recognizing the stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health discussions, she noted that SM-ZOTO was able to create a safe space where she could learn about these topics without judgment.
When asked about her most memorable moment as a facilitator, Melissa becomes emotional, recalling the stories of two transgender participants who had to leave school due to financial constraints, leading them to engage in transactional sex.
“We're witnessing the results of our efforts firsthand. We helped them avoid transactional sex and empowered them. Now, they are trained facilitators empowering other youth to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health,” Melissa proudly shares.
Through the program, which was later supported by the government of Norway for 2023 and 2024, Melissa and Jowelyn, too, were able to continue their education. They have now graduated college and are still leading the learning group sessions, alongside their own advocacy work.
By Mark Christian Sambajon/Aprille Maxine Villaceran
