The Department of Education (DepEd) celebrated the 2020 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Week last November 15-21.

With the theme, “Better Knowledge for Better Care,” the DAPC week aims to promote awareness against illegal drugs and to improve the understanding of the world’s drug problem and how, in turn, better awareness will foster greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance, and security.’

In line with this, all DepEd offices and schools were encouraged to conduct appropriate, relevant, and related activities for learners and their families about the campaign on the dangers posed by drug abuse through online and other platforms accessible to the learners.

On the other hand, the Office of the President (OP), through the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), in collaboration with the DepEd – Bureau of Learner Support Services-School Health Division (BLSS-SHD), announced the National Winners of the Search for Outstanding Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) Implementers in Secondary Schools for School Year 2018-2019.

The winners were:

· Hall of Fame, Sto. Niño National High School – Region XII- South Cotabato

· 2nd Place, Ozamiz City National High School – Region X- Ozamiz City

· 3rd Place, Agusan Del Sur National High School – CARAGA Region- Agusan del Sur

· 4th Place, Cabacungan National High School – Region VIII- Leyte

· 5th Place, Dumangas National High School – Region VI- Iloilo

The search for the Outstanding BKD implementers aims to strengthen the National Drug Education Program, develop skills and understanding among learners and school personnel in initiating active responses for a drug-free school, support and sustain the services in the Barkada-adopted concepts, and identify the best practices of different BKD chapters.

Due to the current situation brought by the COVID-19, the cash prize and Plaque of Recognition of the winners will be given directly to the schools.