ADVOCACY VIDEO SCRIPT

Title: Teenage Pregnancy: Make smart choices, A baby can wait

[Montage: Teen 1 laughing with friends, going to school, texting her boyfriend, and holding a
pregnancy test]

[Black screen: A child cannot raise a child]

[Snippets from teenage pregnancy news on Television]

[Static screen]

[Opening Scene: A diverse group of teenagers engaged in a lively discussion]

*noise from students talking inside the classroom

Teen 4: Hey, have you heard that Joan got pregnant?

Teen 2: Yeah, I heard from a friend yesterday. It’s her fault for having sex! God forbid us to do
such a thing!
Teen 3: Absolutely! Abstaining is always the right choice. How about you, (name of teen 1)? You
have a boyfriend, right? Oh my god, don’t tell me you’ve been doing “that” thing with (name of
boyfriend).
Teen 1: No, no, of course not (wary eyes)

[Transition to a home setting, mother of Teen 1 and the latter at one table eating]

Mother: God, there are a lot of recorded cases of teenage pregnancy in our barangay, it is so
shameful. The parents of these children proved how negligent they are, they are not looking out
for their daughters, now look at what happened! You (Name of teen 1), do not ever engage
yourself in romantic relationships! It will ruin your future! Do not be tempted to temptations, it’s a
sin to the lord!

*Teen 1 nodding nervously and bowing as if ashamed

Teen 1: Ma, what really happens during sex? And how does a woman come to be with a child?
Mother: Jesus Christ! Do not say that word!! Abstain from asking these inappropriate questions,
I told you to not be interested in those temptations.
Teen 1: I was just asking.

[Transition to a classroom setting, where the teachers prepare for a presentation]

Teacher: Welcome, everyone! Today, we want to talk about a critical issue: Sex Education

Teen 2: Wait, what? Isn’t that such an appropriate topic to tackle?

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Teen 3: Why is our school having this presentation? This is the first time, what change?
Teen 1: I saw on the news that there is a mandate of Sex education presentations at schools is
now required because of the high rates of teenage pregnancy.

*Teacher: Presenting the idea of sex education, prevention strategies, etc.

Teacher: But, students, abstinence is always the best solution. Our students in this school are
well-informed of this as we provided you input over the years that pre-marital sex is a sin.

*students staring at each other

*Teen 1 raising a hand

Teen 1: Since you mention contraceptives, will there be a distribution of such in our school,
ma’am?
Teacher: Oh (laughs) Well, that’s a tough question, improper if I may say. But, I cannot answer
that question yet and I believe that the proposed plan to fund contraceptives is still not approved
by our government. (awkward smile)

Narration: In the Philippines, Teenage pregnancy is construed as one of the most serious social
issues within the country. In fact, by area of residence, women aged 15 to 19 years old in rural
areas had a higher number of pregnancies in 2022 with 6.1 percent as compared to those in the
urban areas with 4.8 percent. Among the 17 regions of the country, Northern Mindanao had the
highest percentage of women aged 15 to 19 years who have ever been pregnant at 10.9
percent. This was followed by Davao Region with 8.2 percent, and Caraga with 7.7 percent.

Sex education is a highly sensitive matter in the Philippines. The mere mention of it triggers
opponents to go on long-winded tirades about moral decadence. They say that sex ed teaches
children how to have sex (teachers aren’t out there flat-out telling students to “go forth and
procreate”). Some argue that it threatens the sacred foundation of marriage. And many still
believe that sex is an inappropriate topic for conversation, much less a subject to be taught in
educational institutions. There has never been an appropriate moment to talk about it,
apparently. That’s why it’s the least bit surprising to see our teen pregnancy rates. Ten years
after the passing of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act into law, high
teenage pregnancy rates plague the country. They have even escalated to a point where it was
declared a national emergency. Almost seven girls aged 14 and younger are giving birth in the
country every day, according to a 2021 report by the Commission on Population. The vocal
resistance of the Church has had a marginal influence on this matter. You can imagine how
difficult it must be to develop a comprehensive sex education curriculum when the very idea of
sex for pleasure, actualization, or conversation is unwelcome. However, this year, there have
been several reports that indicate the mandate of Sex Education in the Philippines, however,
currently, the country is not yet seeing the effects of these policies. As a matter of fact, DepEd
plans to make Sex Education compulsory and standardized, but there is still so much to do in
order for this plan to be called successful.
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[Interview of a teen who became pregnant at a young age (clip from the need)]

Narration: But, Isn’t home the children’s first school? If so, then sex education should start from
where children reside.

When children grow up, they need to learn and adapt to the physiological and psychological
changes in different stages of development. The learning objectives of sex education vary with
the age of children and the environment. Hence, children need appropriate and continuous
counseling and guidance. Parents are the core people who accompany their children as they
grow up. Thus, parents are also the most appropriate people to give their children sex
education. The earlier the sex education is given at home, the earlier the children are able to
establish correct concepts of sex, and the easier the parents can handle the situation.

Mother is considered to be the most ideal person to give sex education. In fact, the father's
participation is equally important. A son can learn from a male role model, while a daughter can
learn about men’s responsibilities in family and society. She will also understand the
expectations others have for women. Children will greatly benefit from the education and know
how to interact with other people when they grow up.

It is time to normalize the concept of “Sex talk”. The first step of this is teaching children the right
labels for their body parts. A penis is the correct word for the boy’s male organ, and the vagina
is the correct label for the female sex organ. When you give camouflage names for the sexual
body parts, you are conveying the message that there is something wrong or unmentionable, or
embarrassing about them. The children, therefore, are quick to absorb the idea that their
genitals are something to be ashamed of. Then, the following steps shall focus on the
pre-conditions of sex education as well as educational skills and methods regarding the matter.

There’s no denying that a child cannot nurture a younger child of her own. Hence, when children
are taught not only the fundamentals of sex education but also their utmost significance. Let us
help build a community that prevents the threats of teenage pregnancy, a community where
students do not perceive sex education as a taboo topic to tackle. Rather, an informative one.

Let us help build a community where children will not suffer taking care children of their own.

[Scene transitions to Teen 1 holding a pregnancy test and seeing that the result is negative]

[Scene transitions to a classroom where students engage in comprehensive sex education]

Teen 3: So, what exactly is comprehensive sex education?

Teen 2: It's an inclusive approach that provides accurate, age-appropriate information about
human sexuality, relationships, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections.
Teen 1: It empowers us with knowledge and equips us to make informed choices regarding our
sexual health.
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[Scene shifts to a call to action]

Teen 1: Now that we understand the importance of comprehensive sex education, it's time for us
to take action.
Teen 2: Let's raise awareness about the benefits of comprehensive sex education among our
peers, parents, and educators.
Teen 3: Let's advocate for its implementation in our schools and communities, ensuring that
every young person receives the knowledge they deserve.

[Closing Scene: The group of teens standing together, determined and passionate]

Teen 1: Together, we can create a future where teenage pregnancies are reduced, and young
people are equipped with the knowledge to make informed choices.
Teen 2: Let's be the advocates who bring positive change to our generation.
Teen 3: Join us in the fight for comprehensive sex education. Together, we can empower our
peers and shape a healthier future.

[End with a powerful call to action and contact information for local organizations promoting
comprehensive sex education]

SEX IS A NORMAL WORD. IT IS A NORMAL HUMAN ACTIVITY.

The first step to change is acceptance they say. We have to accept that most teenagers have
done this activity, while encouraging students to have sex isn’t the purpose of this, but refraining

Remember, by advocating for comprehensive sex education, we can equip young people with
the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices and prevent teenage pregnancy.
Together, we can create a brighter and healthier future for all.