Students’ and Parents’ Perceptions on the Implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in One Public High School

Adolescents in the Philippines continue to face pressing challenges such as teenage pregnancy, sexual violence, and sexually transmitted infections despite strong cultural and religious pro-abstinence norms. In response to this, the Department of Education mandated the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) into the curriculum, yet it remains understudied in terms of stakeholder perceptions. This study investigated the perceptions of two key stakeholders, students and parents, on the implementation of CSE in one public high school in Infanta, Quezon. Employing a phenomenological qualitative design, the researchers purposively selected thirty participants composed of fifteen students and fifteen parents and conducted in-depth interviews guided by a researcher-made protocol. Data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Results revealed that students primarily viewed CSE as a source of knowledge, protection, and inclusivity, emphasizing its role in fostering awareness, responsible decision-making, and respect for diversity. Meanwhile, parents recognized CSE as a shared responsibility that supports values formation and prepares adolescents for real-life challenges. Both groups expressed a strong preference for educational reading materials that are accessible, culturally sensitive, and supported by teacher facilitation and parental guidance. The study highlights both opportunities and gaps in CSE implementation, including fragmented coverage across subjects and insufficient culturally relevant materials. It concludes that strengthening CSE requires not only well-developed instructional resources but also the active collaboration of schools, families, and communities. By amplifying the voices of students and parents, this research contributes context-specific insights that can inform policymakers, educators, and future researchers in advancing a more inclusive, responsive, and effective sexuality education program in the Philippines.