G.A. Viray
Students engaging in premarital relations have been increasing in the past decades, and with the proliferation of adult movies, pornographic materials, and access to the internet, more and more young people are enticed to do what is forbidden for them.
Sunstar reports that in a recent study conducted by Mass Communication students from the West Visayas State University, it was found out the highest number of guests who stay in lodging houses are students. Unfortunately, it is not only the college students who frequently go to these lodging houses, even those who are only in high school or even as young as elementary students frequently go to these places to engage in premarital relations.
The said study was a result of a survey conducted on 100 taxi drivers in Iloilo city. It was revealed in the study that 65% of those who frequent these lodging houses are students ages 12-24, 14% are of marrying age, and 10% are of elderly age. The lodging houses visited were Katrina Lodge, Anita, The Q, Sofia Lodge, Green Dragon Lodge, Queens Court, and Moonlight Lodge. The taxi drivers also mentioned that the students usually wear civilian clothes.
Another report done by Professor Ma. Rosario Victoria de Guzman also revealed there is also a high number of students who engage in pleasure for payment specially during midterms and finals season.
The study and the report was revealed during a City Council committee meeting presided by Councilor Dylee Zulueta Salazar and George Duron, City Health Office, and City Social Welfare and Development. Due to the results of the study and the report, the committee on women and family relations and Task Force on Moral Recovery are now drafting an ordinance to regulate the operations of lodging houses, motels, inns and other similar establishments in Iloilo City.
During the committee meeting, De Guzman recommended that aside from regulating the operation of these lodging houses, there should also be an ordinance banning the pornographic materials in the city like malls, R18 films, books and others; and an ordinance banning public display of affection (PDA) in public places such as plazas, parks and malls and transportation vehicles like public jeepneys.
