Publications

Using data from the 2003 National Demographic and Health Survey, this report presents baseline findings on Filipino men’s self-reported condom use during gay sex. A nationally representative sample of N = 4,766 Filipino men ages 15 to 54 indicate that 6.8% of sexually active men had had sex with another man at least once, with a higher proportion among the young adult, 15 to 24 year-old subset (15.5%). Despite prevalent beliefs that condoms could protect against disease, the level of actual condom use during first gay sex was very low (10.1%). Descriptive findings are analyzed using a sexual culture perspective, which points to further sexuality research directions including improved assessment of sexual behaviors and more in-depth investigation of social dynamics and contexts of sex between Filipino men.

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a convenient tool used in aggregating the indicators of sustainable development and providing indices where different weights are assigned to the various indicators. There are, however, problems in interpreting of indices, especially if time series data are used. This study explores the feasibility of applying recent developments in PCA of time series using Philippine data. We present the comparative advantages of SPCA (Sparse Principal Component Analysis) relative to averaging of an adequacy/inadequacy index and PCA in index construction from various indicators of sustainable development in the Philippines in terms of usefulness and validity of indices being developed. SPCA can attain sparse and non-overlapping loadings without losing a large amount of explained variance compared to PCA. Because of the non-overlapping contribution of variables in SPCA components, indices can have clear and mutually exclusive meanings, facilitating interpretation. Even with a more complicated algorithm, reduced dimensions and simpler interpretation of indices justify the advantages of SPCA over PCA in index construction. The indices are interpreted in terms of the milestone of sustainability in the Philippines. The resulting indices provide an adequate summary of the sustainable indicators and evidence of the importance of leadership and political will in sustainable development.

Using data from national surveys conducted by the Social Weather Station in 1996 and in 2001 (N = 1,200 each), we examined the attitudes of Filipinos as a general population toward lesbians and gay men. Secondary analysis of two heterosexism measures included in the surveys indicated that Filipinos held largely negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. Many Filipinos (about 28%) considered being gay/lesbian as “can never be justified” while only 4% thought it could “always be justified.” In addition, about 1 out of 4 Filipinos expressed not wanting gay men/lesbians as neighbors. These heterosexist views did not change significantly from 1996 to 2001 and were widespread, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, educational attainment, or religiosity. Respondents from NCR had the least negative evaluations, and attitudes toward lesbians and gay men were positively correlated to attitudes toward sex work, abortion, and divorce.

Using a learner-centered, mixed qualitative-quantitative approach, we explored the needs, experiences, and contexts of sexuality education of Filipino gay and bisexual male college students. A convenience sample of 121 self-identified gay/bisexual male Filipino college students answered a structured questionnaire asking them to rate 44 possible topics they would like to be discussed in a classroom-based college human sexuality class. Topics most wanted by gay/bisexual learners were sexual identity and orientation, love, body image, HIV/AIDS, gender roles, and friendship. Survey findings are grounded in the context of learners’ experiences of sexuality education which we explored using a focus group with seven selected Filipino gay students. 219 suggestions made by respondents for improving sexuality education are also analyzed and presented as well as recommendations for further research.

Naglalaman ang aklat na ito ng ilang artikulo mula sa Summa Theologiae ni Sto. Tomas de Aquino na isinalin sa wikang Filipino. Ipinapaliwanag dito ang kaugnayan nito sa ilang isyung panrelihiyon na nagsisilbing hamon sa sambayanang Filpino sa kasalukuyan. Maaari itong gamiting gabay panrelihiyon sa pang-araw-araw na buhay, kahit na ano pa ang kaniyang pananampalataya at sinanibang iglesya o relihiyong samahan. Isinulat ni Sto. Tomas ang Summa Theologiae para sa mga mag-aaral ng pamantasang nagsisimula pa lamang sa pag-unawa ng Banal na Aral. Hindi niya ito isinulat para sa mga Katoliko lamang para ito sa mga kabataang napakaraming itinatanong tungkol sa relihiyon na tulad ng mag-aaral ngayon, at mga karaniwang Filipino, marami sa kanila ang nalalabuan o kaya’y nababagot sa nakagisnang rehiliyon at pananampalataya.

The PSR framework that identifies over 100 indicators of sustainable development is used to screen and reduce the list to 18 core indicators. Principal component analysis was used in extracting 3 indices from 18 core indicators. The validity of the three indices in providing a sufficient assessment of the state of macro-level sustainability in the Philippines is verified using cointegration tests of the indices with the indicators from the long list supporting the PSR framework. Sustainability in the Philippines may be viewed in terms of Sustainable Economic Activities, Increased Income/Employment Opportunities and Forest Ecosystem Welfare, and Progress of Equity.