THE DEPARTMENT of Education, Department of Health, and the United States Agency for International Development on Tuesday launched the national BIDA Kid Covid19 prevention campaign to support the safe expansion of face-to-face classes nationwide.

Held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, the campaign aims to encourage learners, teachers and education stakeholders to keep practicing Covid19 health and safety guidelines in schools and public spaces.

“One of our utmost priorities is the safety of our learners amid the risk of Covid19. The BIDA Kid campaign is another whole-of-government initiative to encourage everyone to keep our children protected while we progressively reintroduce classroom-based learning,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn joined Briones in unveiling the campaign’s official music video which highlights the 3Bs: Bakuna (Vaccination), Bayanihan (Solidarity) and BIDA behaviors (Bestfriend natin ang masks, Ingatan at hugasan ang kamay, Dumistansya upang makaiwas sa sakit, Airflow ay panatilihin).

The BIDA Kid campaign, including BIDA kits, the music video, jingle, and key visuals, will be rolled out to all schools and DepEd offices. Field offices were encouraged to display and develop localized materials to further amplify the campaign’s messages.

Duque highlighted the importance of the 3Bs. He reminded education stakeholders to continue observing safety measures in schools and at home amid the improving Covid19 situation in the country.

“A safe school environment is crucial for our children’s development both academically and emotionally. This is only possible if we continue to champion Covid19 vaccination in our communities and commit to practicing the minimum public health standards everywhere and at all times,” he said.

Meanwhile, USAID Mission Director Washburn said he was grateful for the strong partnership between USAID and the national government.

“Face-to-face classes give students better motivation to study, having the opportunity to interact directly with their teachers and classmates. Classrooms offer a supportive environment for learning as well as social and emotional well-being,” Washburn said.

“As your friend, partner, and ally, the US government, through USAID, will continue to collaborate with our Philippine government counterparts, so Filipinos are better able to manage the impacts and bounce back quickly from the Covid19 pandemic,” he added.