September 17, 2025
Health, Education, Peace-Building and Security
Barkada Kontra Bisyo (BKB) was officially established in 2003 by the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines. It was created as part of the government’s public health initiative to address the growing concerns around substance abuse, smoking, alcoholism, and other harmful vices among Filipino youth. At the time, the DOH recognized the influence of peer pressure and social circles in encouraging risky behavior among teenagers and young adults. In response, they launched BKB with the goal of transforming the idea of a barkada (peer group or circle of friends) into a positive force that promotes a healthy, vice-free lifestyle.