Following Section 43 of Article IV of Republic Act No. 9165, also referred to as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” Tropical Village National High School, through Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD), under the supervision of Mrs. Carmina V. Lesondra, BKD Coordinator, organized a one-day symposium on Health Education: Defending Against Gateway Substances. Selected Tropicalian students attended the symposium, which took place at the TVNHS-covered court on April 19.
The program began with messages of support from various brgy. officials, namely, Hon. Quennie Mar C. Hernandez and Hon. Leonardo C. Martinez.
Brgy. Councilor, Hon. Gary D. Lumagui, Chairperson on Peace and Order and the resource speaker, began his talk by discussing the term “gateway substances.”.
During his talk, he enumerated the different types of drugs and their effects on a human being, both psychologically and physically. In addition, he mentioned the existence of the Barangay Drug Council in the Tropical Village Community, its composition, roles, and functions, and how it implements policies and programs for the residents.
During the open forum, students asked questions and queries. Some students clarified questions, such as what agency can help young people in this kind of situation. Lastly, Hon. Gary D. Lumagui received a certificate of recognition for his significant contribution as the activity’s resource speaker.
The said symposium was conducted on Catch-up Fridays in adherence with DepEd Memorandum No. 001, s. 2024, titled “Implementation of Catch-up Fridays focusing on Health Education Program.