Anti-LGBT fears should not dictate what children learn, Pride PH convener says

“From what we understand of the materials being questioned, the word ‘LGBT’ was not even mentioned,” Liban wrote. “Yet somehow, ordinary lessons that help children understand differences and treat other people with kindness have been transformed into something supposedly dangerous.”

Liban said the discussion should instead focus on whether the materials are developmentally appropriate and supported by sound educational principles.

“Age-appropriate inclusion for a six- or seven-year-old does not teach a child to understand adult concepts of sexuality,” he said.

Instead, Liban said inclusion at that age could simply mean teaching children that families can look different, people have different personalities and interests, and boys and girls do not have to conform to rigid gender stereotypes.

He also pointed to bullying as a more urgent concern facing Filipino students, saying children perceived as different—including boys considered “too feminine” or girls considered “too masculine”—can become targets of ridicule and discrimination.

Liban cited existing DepEd policies, including the Child Protection Policy under DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, and the Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy under DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2017, as evidence that protecting students from discrimination and creating inclusive classrooms are already part of the education system’s responsibilities.

“So when we teach children that differences deserve respect, we are addressing the problem and not creating one,” he said.

Liban also challenged legislators to examine the actual content and learning objectives before condemning the materials.

“What exactly are the children being taught, what is the pedagogical objective, and is it developmentally appropriate?” he said lawmakers should be asking.

He specifically took a swipe at former representative Bernadette “BH” Herrera-Dy, noting that she had previously filed a civil partnership bill seeking legal recognition and rights for couples.

“Anyare diba?” Liban wrote.

Despite his criticism, Liban acknowledged that lawmakers have the right to question DepEd and demand accountability. But he said such scrutiny should be based on the actual materials, research and expert judgment rather than assumptions about supposed LGBT content.

“Please trust our educators,” he appealed to legislators.

Liban ended his letter by urging DepEd to continue protecting children from bullying and discrimination while consulting educators, psychologists and child-development specialists on inclusive learning.

“Our children deserve classrooms where they learn that cruelty is not strength, difference is not a defect, and kindness is not weakness,” he said. “They deserve an education system guided by evidence rather than panic.”

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