VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte urged students, teachers and other education stakeholders to confront the problem of drug addiction to save the youth from this menace.

She 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 3rd National Barkada Kontra Droga Convention.

“We must confront [drug addiction] problem with empathy, compassion, and understanding while arming ourselves with determination and bravery to pull our barkada away from the trap of drug addiction,” Duterte said.

Education Assistant Secretary for Operations Dexter Galban urged learners to continue participating in drug abuse prevention activities.

“All of you here today, coming from different regions, are given the opportunity and even the challenge to become champions. 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,” Galban said.

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.

Dangerous Drugs Board Undersecretary Earl Saavedra stressed 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. We were able to walk the talk pagdating sa BKD by tapping partners and stakeholders who are our important allies pagdating sa pagsugpo ng drug addiction in our communities,” Saavedra said.