THE Department of Education and the Dangerous Drugs Board convened learners and youth leaders across the nation as they commenced the 4th National Barkada Kontra Droga Convention in Iloilo City.

With the theme “Empathy in Action: Breaking the Barriers, Creating Safe Spaces,” NBKD emphasized leadership, camaraderie, resilience against drug abuse; the unwavering commitment of young people to uphold a drug-free lifestyle; and youth participation to champion BKD Programs in their local schools and communities.

The said convention promotes the significance of empathy as a catalyst for positive change, developing the necessary emotional and social toolkit to nurture empathy towards one another and become a safe space in their own families, schools, and communities.

This year’s NBKD features a series of workshops and interactive sessions on No Smoking and Alcohol Educational Campaigns; Socio-Emotional Learning; Children in Conflict with the Law; and School Sports Programs.

Aside from that, the participants shall likewise take part in activities regarding Risk and Protective Factors of Drug Use; Safe Spaces; Harnessing Peer Support; and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms.

BKD is the joint flagship program of the DDB and DepEd, a preventive education and information program to counter the dangers of drug abuse, institutionalized through the DDB Board Regulation No. 5, Series of 2007 and DepEd Order No. 200, Series of 2016.