THE OKKK! Tambayan (Online Kahusayan at Katatagan ng Kabataan) program has officially wrapped up Season 3 and is preparing for a new season.

The online series, which served as one of the Department of Education’s support systems for learners, helped students express their emotions and concerns through in-depth discussions of mental health with experts and facilitators.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones commended the efforts of DepEd-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service for the success of the initiative.

“I am very pleased and happy with the results of this program in counselling and helping young people who are facing challenges with the difficulties, tension, and anxieties because of issues affecting their families,” Briones said.

The DepEd chief stressed the importance of peer support, the bond between youth, and how this bond can change or save lives.

“Napakalaki ng papel ng kabataan and therefore they need additional time and support kung saan makikipag-usap sila sa kapwa bata nila in greater detail. Itong misyon na ito ay hindi lamang sa loob ng OKKK! Program ngunit ang pinakatunay ng misyon na ito ay sa labas, sa eskwelahan at sa community,” Briones said.

Among the topics tackled by OKKK! Tambayan were self-care, taking care of one’s mental health, nurturing relationships, time management, and the responsible use of social media. The last episode that aired on May 8, 2021 featured fake news and fact-checking.

Aside from OKKK! Tambayan, learners can also catch other DepEd programs such as TALA: Tuklasin, Alamin, Likhain, at Alalahanin, an educational TV program for elementary learners that focuses on the development of the child’s Socio-Emotional Learning; and Kakaiba-yanihan, an online series fostering a supportive community that accepts, protects and helps learners with disabilities.