By Vanessa B. Barayang, BA COMM 4, The Centralian Link Intern
Pastor James Peter Transporto and Dr. Gemma Transporto deliver the lecture “Sex: Whose Idea Is It?” during KASANAGAN: A Lecture Series on Current Social Issues, held for Senior High School students at the EMC Conference Room on March 17, 2026.
Senior High School students attended another session of KASANAGAN: A Lecture Series on Current Social Issues on March 17, 2026, at the EMC Conference Room, focusing on the topic “Sex: Whose Idea Is It?”
The program formally opened with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Central Philippine University Alma Mater song.
For the opening remarks, Dr. Johanna Faith Candido, Director of Guidance Services, addressed the audience on behalf of Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, expressing gratitude to the invited speakers and participants. She concluded her message with a Bible verse from Proverbs 2:12, emphasizing wisdom and guidance in decision-making.
The guest speakers, Pastor James Peter Transporto and Dr. Gemma P. Transporto, were then introduced to deliver the lecture.
Pastor Transporto began the session by citing verses from Psalm 139, highlighting the complexity of the human body and mind. He emphasized that human life is carefully created and that understanding one’s identity and development is important during adolescence. He also reflected on biblical perspectives on human creation, including passages from Genesis, emphasizing the value and purpose of human life.
Dr. Gemma Transporto then discussed the stages of adolescence, explaining that early adolescence usually occurs between ages 12 to 14, middle adolescence between 15 to 17, followed by late adolescence. She explained that adolescence is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, involving significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.
During the lecture, Dr. Transporto also explained the development of the brain during adolescence, particularly the limbic system and the frontal lobe. According to her, the limbic area — associated with emotions and sensation-seeking — develops earlier than the frontal lobe, which is responsible for judgment, reasoning, impulse control, and decision-making. Because of this difference in maturation, adolescents may be more prone to impulsive decisions and emotional reactions. She further noted that the brain continues developing until around age 25, emphasizing that young people are still in a critical stage of growth and self-regulation.
The lecture also discussed the role of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, explaining that adolescence is a period where these hormones significantly increase, contributing to physical and emotional changes.
The speakers highlighted several risks that adolescents may face, including sexually transmitted infections, dating violence, academic difficulties, substance abuse, delinquent behavior, and unintended pregnancy. The discussion encouraged students to be aware of these risks and develop healthy coping strategies to support their long-term well-being.
Pastor Transporto later reinforced the discussion by emphasizing that relationships and sexuality should be approached with responsibility and purpose. The speakers also provided practical guidance and hypothetical situations to help students reflect on responsible decision-making.
Before the program concluded, a question-and-answer portion allowed students to ask questions and clarify topics discussed during the lecture.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to Dr. Gemma Transporto and Pastor James Peter Transporto, followed by closing remarks and a closing prayer.
Through the KASANAGAN lecture series, students were given the opportunity to better understand adolescent development, relationships, and responsible decision-making.