VP: Confront drug addiction problem with empathy
As it continues to strengthen drug education and prevention campaigns, the Department of Education (DepEd) underscored the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in dealing with drug addiction problems.
“We must confront (drug addiction) problem with empathy, compassion, and understanding while arming ourselves with determination and bravery to pull our ‘barkada’ (peer group) away from the trap of drug addiction,” Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte said during the 3rd National Barkada Kontra Droga Convention (NBKDC).
DepEd, in cooperation with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), highlighted the importance of preventive education in curbing drug-related concerns and how to strengthen programs and interventions against substance abuse in schools and the community during the event.
Meanwhile, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Dexter Galban urged learners to continue advocating and participating in drug abuse prevention activities.
“All of you here today, coming from different regions of the country, are given the opportunity and even the challenge to become champions,” Galban said.
“You’re here today for a reason. You’re here today to serve as beacons of hope for those having difficulty saying no to illegal drugs, saying no to substance abuse,” he added.
During the three-day event hosted by DepEd SoccskSargen, attendees listened to discussions on the salient features of the DepEd policy on the BKD Plus Program; the policies, updates, and intervention for the department's “No Smoking” campaign; and how to develop information education communication materials, among others.
The event also aimed to strengthen camaraderie, collaboration, cooperation, and solidarity in BKD implementers' commitment to attaining a drugfree lifestyle through sharing leadership stories and best practices, and formulation of action plans to prevent drug abuse in schools and the community.
Meanwhile, DDB Undersecretary Earl Saavedra emphasized the need to curb the vulnerabilities of the youth by not allowing them to become victims of substance abuse.
“BKD is not only a flagship program that starts and ends with interagency commitment,” Saavedra said.
“We were able to walk the talk pagdating sa BKD by tapping partners and stakeholders who are our important allies pagdating sa pagsugpo ng (when it comes to curbing) drug addiction in our communities,” he added.