Children are the future: DepEd announces ‘Best Barkada Kontra Droga’

The Department of Education (DepEd) will launch the Search for the Outstanding Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) Program Implementers this month in Central Luzon.

The competition aims to strengthen the National Drug Education Program (NDEP) through BKD, a collective action among students and youth promoting cooperation, camaraderie, collaboration, and solidarity in attaining a drug-free lifestyle. One of its other objectives is to develop skills and understanding among students, faculty, and school administrators with regards to initiating active responses for a drug-free school.

DepEd-Central Luzon Regional Director Beatriz G. Torno said they expect this project to increase awareness and participation in maintaining a fully drug-free environment in the community, school, workplace, and home.

“Through the BKD Program, the support and services among educators, professionals, families, work forces, peer groups, and other sectors in curbing the prevalence of drug addiction will be sustained. Likewise, the best practices of winning BKD chapters which will serve as model for other schools,” said Torno.

From 2004 to 2017, a total of 334 BKD Chapters were organized across the country with total membership reaching approximately 90,900.

DepEd continues to strengthen the NDEP in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs. The NDEP enables collaboration among all sectors, with the school system at the core. It basically helps create awareness on the negative effects of using illegal drugs through curriculum and instruction; co-curricular and ancillary services; parent education and community outreach; teacher and staff development; and research, monitoring, and evaluation.

via Philippine Information Agency / Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu