Question & AnswerQ&A (DDB BOARD REGULATION NO. 5, S. 2007)
The BKD is a flagship program institutionalized by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) aimed at enlisting all sectors of society to advocate and model a drug-free and healthy lifestyle, primarily targeting the youth through social groups called 'barkadas.'
The BKD program was institutionalized under Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 5, S. 2007, pursuant to the powers vested in the DDB under Section 77, Article IX of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The BKD program covers all sectors including the youth and students, families, workforce, professionals, labor and service providers, government agencies (national and local), non-government organizations, civic and religious sectors, and the entire community.
The rationale includes addressing the high incidence of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) abuse in the Philippines, using social marketing to create a comprehensive primary prevention program targeting the youth, and sustaining drug prevention efforts through community and school involvement.
General objective is to promote people empowerment for a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Specific objectives include establishing a BKD movement, training advocates, creating drug-free environments in homes, schools, workplaces, encouraging productive alternatives, and providing support services across multiple sectors.
Phase I: Launching seminar and media advocacy; Phase II: Capability building including training on drug prevention and life skills; Phase III: Implementation of formulated action plans like alternative activities, livelihood projects, and production of IEC materials; Phase IV: Monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
Key agencies include the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Youth Commission (NYC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
DILG issues circulars to local government units and Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) for support, strengthens the operations of various ADACs, encourages formation of BKD chapters, and provides incentives.
In schools, BKD Centers are established in secondary and tertiary institutions typically within the Student Council's office or a suitable space. In communities, local ADACs provide space and resources. Public schools have NDEP Coordinators as heads, while private schools entrust the Guidance Office to lead BKD activities.
The BKD National Secretariat, organized by the DDB, orchestrates and coordinates program implementation, provides technical support and IEC materials, monitors progress of BKD Centers, and consolidates and maintains program data.
BKD Centers in schools and communities maintain files and records of BKD members, submit semi-annual reports to the DDB BKD National Secretariat, and these reports feed into the BKD program database for monitoring and evaluation.
Training includes instruction on the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165), medical and preventive aspects of drug abuse, BKD member roles, life skills enhancement, development of IEC materials, and livelihood skills through relevant agencies like TESDA.