Former Sen. Jamby Madrigal. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Although former Senator Jamby Madrigal recognizes the importance of reproductive health education among children, she believes older poor people should be educated more on the topic.
Madrigal said knowledge of reproductive health comes “naturally” if a child is honed by educated parents.
In an interview, Madrigal said that people belonging to the under “Class D” and “Class E” groups or the “poorest of the poor,” should be provided access to reproductive health education.
“We have to legislate a bill that will encourage women and men to understand reproductive health,” she said.
“But what’s important is to reach those who have less education,” she added.
But while less privileged parents may have their own personal reasons for having many children, Madrigal said one factor why some people want a big family is culture.
“. . . because for them yung yaman nila is yung anak nila kasi sila ang magtratrabaho at mag-aalaga (children are their wealth; they’re expected to provide for and take care of the family),” she said.
On the question when should reproductive health be taught to children, Madrigal said it should be the parents’ call.
“I think sex education in the sense of telling a child [the] best [would] come from the parents,”Madrigal said.
She said well-informed parents will really know when is the right time to educate their children on reproductive health.
Madrigal is among the principal authors of the Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women which ensures that women are protected from all forms of violence.