The Impact of the Free Release of Condoms to the

Adolescents
Introduction:

The controversial break-out regarding teenage pregnancy, overpopulation, pre-marital sex

and adolescents engaging to inappropriate behavioural manifestations instigate the Philippine

Government to synthesize programs and interventions to possibly control the head cracks

adolescents nowadays are causing. One of those programs is the recently passed law about the

free release of condoms to the public including the students from the secondary and tertiary

level. Perhaps this issue gained enormous reactions and random feedback from parents, school

administrators, religious organizations and students themselves. Thus, queries concerning

morality, self-preservation, relationship intimacy and health issues among adolescents

immediately proliferated paralyzing this government measure and hinder its implementation.

This simply implies that the thoughts surrounding this issue vary to people who invoke their

personal preferences, opinions and points of view.

This research proposal brings and find out the possible impact of free issuance of

condoms to the adolescents in the context of students varying from different year level, age,

gender identity and orientations. In this sense, we aim to collect the quality of responses derived

from fairly selected respondents. Moreover, this proposal will try to find out how these free

condoms affects the students views regarding sex, morality and as well as their role in the

society. This controversy put the youngsters into test on how should they react or deal with it.
 With the advent of modernization, enlightenment was already transfigured by people

perceiving its essence from the deepest form of reflections down to simplest views of pragmatic

realizations. In short, theories are overridden with complex looking realities. This is how

adolescents nowadays picture-out the world they lived in. they tend to be more realistic and open

minded. The challenge is, how could these young people maintain the open-mindedness as

beneficial to them? On the other hand, does the abhorrence of the religious organizations

regarding these condoms capitulate the students behind the bars of ill-expounded curiosity?

Clear enough to the lens of the government that the usage of condoms as protective gears

could lessen the pregnancy rate, protects people from sexually transmitted disease (STD) and

basically promotes safe sex to people (regardless to gender, age and relationship status). The

main mood of this drama is to spare everyone from the drastic effects of pregnancy such as

overpopulation, hunger and poverty, apparently, these are now the major ills of our country.

Now, the presumption antidote must have its side effects to the one being cured (the people). In a

more specific sense, without any prior test to the effectivity of the formulated drug, we introduce

its thought to the adolescents of College of Teacher Education-Andrews Campus in order to

draw out their analysis to the possible effects of this drug.

As this study goes on, the pursuit for the adolescents point of view regarding the free

issuance of condoms mainly deals with the factors behind their reasons and statements. These

first hand statements to be elicited from the students are all the answers to the questions posited

in this study.
Conceptual Framework

The variety of reactions and perceptions from the adolescents of College of Teacher

Education- CSU Andrews are dependent to their psychological and cultural orientations. Thus,

the interplay of these variables leads to inquiry on the impact of condoms to adolescents.

Independent Variables Dependent Variable

a. Psychological
Reactions and perceptions of the
 psychological
students toward the free release of
 behaviour
condoms
b. Cultural

 religion

 education

Hypotheses:

1. There is a relationship between the respondent’s psychological and cultural well-being

and their perceptions on the free release of condoms.

2. There are differences on the respondent’s reactions and perceptions on the free release of

condoms where their psychological and cultural orientations are invoked.

Statement of the Problem

The adolescents narrow consciousness to the emergence of consequences brought by

their actions calls the attention of the concerned others to make a move to hinder the influx of

problems. Their strong impulses on different temptations are inevitable.

Thus, to better understand the impacts of the free release of condoms to adolescents, this

study sought to achieve the following:

1. To determine the psychological and cultural impact of the release of free condoms to the

adolescents.

2. To examine the weight of their reasons involved in their reactions towards the release of

free condoms.

Furthermore, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the stands of the respondents regarding those condoms?

2. Would the respondents support or reject the issuance of condoms?

3. How do the respondents react on the institutions spearheading this governmental statute?

4. Would these free condoms serve beneficial to the respondent’s development of their

social, personal and civic responsibility?

5. What is the effect of the issuance of free condoms to the psychological and cultural

orientations of the respondents?

These articulate questions seek to unravel the adolescent’s ability to express their in-depth

decisions and reasons regarding this governmental program. The respondent’s dispositions

regarding these free condoms are the grounds in pursuit to its psychological and cultural impacts.
Scope and Delimitation

The study focuses on the Impact of Release of Free Condoms to the Adolescents. This

includes the effects on the adolescent’s psychological and cultural well-being. The possibility of

these free condoms as thesis or anti-thesis to the adolescent’s well-being is the specimen to be

dissected and examined. Furthermore, the study was conducted to provide emphasis on how their

statements and answers were scrutinized in order to draw their connections to what this study

aims to achieve.

Research Methodology

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the procedures and instruments to be used in

gathering and interpreting data relevant to the study. It also posits the sources of data and the

location to where it will be conducted.

Respondents of the Study

The objective of this study is to focus on the adolescents of Cagayan States University-

Andrews Campus particularly the students of College of Teacher Education. Questioners will be

floated to interested students willing to share their opinions and perception at their most

convenient time. There will be 40 students/respondents who are fairly selected. At the ratio of

20:20 male and female respondents are equal in number. They will come from the BSED 2nd

year students ranging from 18 years old to 19 years old in order to assume the variety of the CTE

adolescent.
Locale of the Study

This study will be administered at Cagayan States University-Andrew Campus, Collage of

Teacher Education from March to May 2017.

Research Instrument

With the aid of questioners, data will be gathered and to be measured using statistical tools

preparing it for interpretation and analysis. Another instrument to be used is the interview

method which also aims to elicit first-hand information from the respondents. Noted that these

questions in the interview won’t trespass anything beyond the respondent’s permissions and their

preservations concerning their personal views. As much as possible the team aims to deliver the

questions in their most lenient manner to the respondents in order to avoid misinterpretation and

offense.

Generally, this quantitative study remains constant in its objective to determine the impact of

the free release of condoms to the adolescents. Data and processed information from reliable

sources could lead to the answers in the questions articulated in the previous page.
Significance of the Study

The lucrative modern day interaction among people and changes had brought forth the quick

mobilization of perceptions and ideas among people who associate themselves in various

adjustments and adaptations. This study about the Impact of Free Release of Condoms to the

adolescents sought to promote awareness among every individual and serve as an eye opener to

each one of us regarding its inevitable possibilities and aftermaths. The knowledge digested, out

of the valid information from the respondents will be added to the existing facts which aim to

furnish each concerned individual with the answers to their queries. This study would imply

much benefit to the students/adolescents themselves who are primarily subjected to this study.

This study will also serve beneficial to the academic institution in which in the first place a

channel to the students. Apparently, this study can contribute to future pursuits inclined to its

subject. Since that the thirst for answers are unquenchable and people are quite insatiable, this

study is also a contributory factor to promote and sustain the continuity of further Academic

endeavours.

Dedication

The research team respectfully dedicate this study to those who help in its completion. To our

dear parents, brothers and sisters for their patience and concerns. To our admirable and

supportive teachers, Prof. Marissa Castillo. To all students for sharing their knowledge and

insights. Our dear friends for the love and inspiration. We will always treasure all those
memories. Lastly, our beloved university, Cagayan State University for nurturing our minds and

to almighty God.

Acknowledgement

The research team would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the following who

contributed a lot in making this research study possible:

To the CSU-CTE students who willingly shared their precious times despite hectic schedule

in answering the questionnaires floated to them as our respondents. Our exceptional teacher Prof.

Marrisa Castillo who unselfishly imparted her knowledge, expertise and gave us this opportunity

to be exposed in such activity. To our parents who became supportive in their most capable acts.

Most of all to God Almighty, for bestowing is the spiritual, physical and mental strength as we

work for the completion of this study. Thank you so much.

Review of the Related Literature and Studies

This chapter presents the related literatures and studies relevant to the topic of this work. These

could strengthen the concept in which this study is trying to unravel. To understand better about

the psychological and cultural impact of the free release of condoms to adolescents, this chapter

offers evidences that are relatively contributory to the partial fulfilment of this this study in order

to provide a more effulgent perspective about the topic. This literatures and studies emanates

from prior studies on adolescents sexual health, perceptions on condoms, adolescents position on

HIV/AIDS, factors contributing to the sexual behaviours of adolescents, articles from the

different social, health, political and religious institutions across the globe. Furthermore, the

connection driven from these evaluated literatures and studies, along with the interplay of their

ideas is the utmost concern of this chapter which provides the real essence of its existence.
Review of Related Literature

“Condoms are barrier methods of contraception. There are male condoms and female condoms.

A male condom is a thin sheath (usually made of latex, a type of rubber) that is worn on the

penis. A female condom is a polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring and either end”. –

m.kidshealth.org

According to Family Health International (2005), “facts about condoms and approaches to

condom use are to help individuals involved in reproductive health, particularly family planning

and HIV/STI prevention and care programmes. The accurate evidence-based information should

help provide convincing arguments to motivate individuals to adopt safe sexual practices and to

consistently and correctly use condoms to prevent unintended pregnancy and transmission of

HIV/STIs.” To make this vision realistic, the national governments are encouraged to release

condoms free of charge or at affordable costs.

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial encourages the use of condom to stop the spread of HIV during

the briefing in Paraῆaque City. Starting next year the DOH plans t0 distribute condoms in

schools as part of its “business unusual” strategy amid the sharp rise in the number of HIV and

AIDS among the youth in the country. –inquirer.net (2016)

According to Philippine star Global, (2016); an official of the Catholic Bishop’s

Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday expressed concern over the rising cases of HIV

among the youth. Cancino said, “a majority of those affected is our youth. The number of cases
from 15 years old until 24 yars old is increasing. So this is the future of our country because

these are mostly our high school and college students”.

Janielle Medina Fajardo said, “no, because it’s another way of tolerating premarital sex.

Yes it could prevent them from being pregnant or from acquiring diseases but I think it’s like

giving them temptation that they couldn’t resist. Family discipline or family education instead

should be the one they should improve on, rather than distributing contraceptives. Also, based on

research it’s not 100% sure that contraceptives can prevent females from getting pregnant. The

church is also against it because they’re saying that it’s a form of controlling things beyond

natural”. –Manila Bulletin (2017)

“I agree with giving contraceptives to young adults. It would be a good if the distribution

of contraceptives is anchored on proper sex education.” –Kisha Abuda,Manila Bulletin (2017)

Review of Related studies

The Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3), (2014), examines the evidence and

recommendations on how best to position condoms for use by youth in low and middles-income

countries. Specifically, it focused on the social and emotional factors that influence youth’s

condom use. Accordingly, there were five themes affecting the youth’s use of condoms, firstly,

the partner-level factors which claims that casual partners have higher condom use compared to

serious steady partners. Other studies agreed that married couples are found to have much lower

condom use than the unmarried couples. Another was the family-level factor. This indicates that

the parents-child interaction regarding sexual matters is highly limited. “one study found that

having discussed sex with parents before sexual debut was associated with condom use during

sexual debut, and importantly, was not associated with earlier age at first sexual intercourse.

Next is the social-level factor, this factor asserts that social attitude, perceptions and norms have

huge impact on the adolescent’s use of condoms. Fourth factor is the peer-level factors. The

norms, pressure and support from peers definitely influence the adolescent’s condom decision-

making. Lastly, the gender-related factors, the gender roles and power can potentially diminish

the condom use among adolescents. Generally, these factors affecting the adolescents’ decision

whether to use or not to use during sexual intercourse elaborates the whole thought that

adolescents behave and act conforming to what their natural environment can offer.

The study about Relationships, love and sexuality: what the Filipino Teens thinks and feel

by J. De Irala et al (2009) is another mode in pursuant to the goals of this research proposal. De
irala et al spearheaded the laborious task in collecting the Filipino Teens’ perceptions on

relationship, love and sexuality which will reveal the changes among the teens’ sexual

behaviours. De Irala et al eventually found out that teens acquired information about love and

sexuality mainly on friends. This simply implies the influence of peer group in one’s acquisition

of knowledge on certain issues that are quite serious and complicated. As a matter of fact, in the

composition of adolescent behaviour towards love and sexuality, friends contribute most of its

strands in weaving one. Accordingly, “they revealed few information about their family and

most of them would like to have information mainly on emotion-related topics. More girls,

compared to boys, were sensitive and opposed to several types of sexism”. In conclusion, their

team generalized that the encouragement for parents-child interaction about love, relationship

and sexuality is emphasized which is of big help to the teens in yielding better sexual decisions

and choices. In connection to the impact of the free release of condoms to adolescents, perhaps it

strikes the psychological aspect of the adolescent towards a greater understanding on this

governmental program which will help them concoct sound perceptions.

The prevalence of controversial issues subjecting the adolescent citizens of the community like

pre-marital sex, teen age pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, increase in birth rate and eventually over

population instigates the researchers to engage in meaningful studies to help diagnose the causes

of such predicaments. According to Kanku T. (2010)in his work on “Attitudes, perceptions and

understanding amongst teenagers regarding teenage pregnancy, sexuality and

contraception in Taung”, “teenage pregnancy is a socio-economic challenge and an important

public health problem for communities in South Africa. It is a risk for sexually transmitted

infections (STI), including HIV, and is reflection of inconsistent use of contraception. In

addition, the risk of dropping out of school is considerable, which results to lack of qualifications

and future employment”. In the Philippine context, these issues became mundane in the national

arena. Most couriers of the STIs are the Filipino adolescents engaging in unprotected sexual

intercourse. As a result of Kanku’s research, teenage pregnancy is influenced by poverty,

substance abuse particularly alcohol, peer pressure, poor sexual negotiations and sexual coercion.

Interestingly, these effects like teenage pregnancy and accumulation of STIs, though widely seen

in the Philippine society, still serve as precaution and a threat to adolescent to limit them in

acquainting on undesirable choices and actions. Although the Filipino adolescent society

nowadays became exposed in interactions coated with extreme liberty and freedom due to the

high accessibility to the world, certain considerations constrain them like the culture of being

conservative and sensitive religious dogma. For these reasons, the impact of the free release of

condom to adolescents may vary. Accordingly, “strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy will also

impact in HIV and other sexually transmitted infections”. Literally this invokes the idea on the

governmental policies to control these problems like conducting awareness seminars,

encouragement to use contraceptives and counselling activities.

The study on “The impact of sex education on the sexual behaviour of young people” by

Douglas Kirby (2011) is another academic work related to our topic. “Changes have occurred at

the same time as societal norms regarding the practice of sex before marriage have become less

stringent and access to effective modern methods of contraception has increased. Consequently

more young people are having sex before they marry and more young people are having several

partners before marriage. As a consequence, young women are at higher risk of experiencing

unintended premarital pregnancy and both young women and young men are a higher risk of
contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), including the human immunodeficiency virus

(HIV). These outcomes have major negative impacts not only on the lives of the young people

concerned, but also in the terms of societal costs and should therefore be prevented”. – Douglas

Kirby (2011). Furthermore, it is not enough that young people just seek for the answers on their

queries about sexual behaviours but they must also learn the necessary skills in developing

healthy relationships and make responsible decision about sex.

According to R. Leano jr. and R. Corpuz (2012), the Reproductive Health Bill ,

commonly known as RH Bill refers to two proposal law that intend to guarantee access to

methods and informationabout birth control and maternal care. At present, the two Bills

submitted are being deliberated in the Philippine Congress. The version of the Bill in the Lower

House or the House of Representatives is House Bill No. 4244 with the title, “An act providing

for a Comprehensive Policy or Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, Population and

Development, and other purposes”, which is authored by Congressman Edel Lagman.

Meanwhile Senator Meriam Defensor-Santiago authored the Upper House or Senate version with

the title “An act providing for National Policy on Reproductive Health and Development”. Both

Bills have almost exactly the same objectives. Here are the arguments of two opposing side

regarding the reproductive health Bill. Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial encourage the use of

Condoms to stop the spread of HIV.