Is Virginity still Important among Filipinos?

The arrival of Spaniards marks the establishment of Christianity in the Philippines and since then, Roman Catholicism became the religion of majority of Filipinos. And, like any other religion, it also became the society’s basis of morality.
One of the things considered a sin in Christianity and some religions is “sex before marriage”. However, considering the shows portrayed nowadays in the media and a more “freedom-loving” generation, can we still say that virginity is important for Filipinos?
According to a study made by the University of the Philippines - Population Institute, “majority of the Filipino youth aged 15-24 disapproved premarital sex behavior. Only 7.6% of girls and 18.4% of boys approved of girls' premarital sex. 40.6% of boys approved of boys' premarital sex. Approval of premarital sex was mainly found among older youth and youth who lived away from parents, attended nonsectarian schools, rarely attended church services, frequently went to discos and other night clubs, and smoked, drank alcohol, or used drugs. Approval was also higher among those who had siblings, had lower socioeconomic status, and experienced parental marital instability. Single parenthood was acceptable. Youths who were raised by single fathers were more likely to disapprove of girls' premarital sex behavior. Youths who were raised by single mothers expressed higher approval of premarital sex. 69.3% of females and 46.3% of males felt that an unmarried youth with an unplanned pregnancy should keep the baby regardless of marital status. 46.2% of males and 26.8% of females thought the girl should marry the father of the child. Few agreed with adoption or abortion. Acceptance of a young unmarried mother was higher among males, those married, and those who were older, lived in the city, ever lived in a dormitory, attended Catholic coed or nonsectarian schools, were Catholic, and attended religious services often. Peer groups and family were perceived as supportive and reassuring in difficult situations. Catholicism and schools were also considered to have strong positive influences on youths. (UPPI, 1995)”
However, this study was conducted in November 1995, about 2 decades ago and a lot of things may have changed since then. But, we also have to note how family, religion, and school strongly influences a child’s attitude towards sex.  This can also be viewed as a possible solution to the increasing number of unwanted pregnancy and abortion. But, since government control is very limited in family and religion, schools can be a good tool for the government’s drive against unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Sex education must be a part of all schools’ curriculum.

Reference:
University of the Philippines Population Institute. 1995. Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study II. Retrieved from http://www.popline.org/node/294348.

Group 5