DepEd-7 supports random drug testing for HS, college

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education Cebu Province Division is supporting the proposal of the Provincial Board for a random drug testing in all secondary and tertiary schools in the province.

Cebu schools division superintendent Dr. Arden Monisit said that random drug testing may be extended to the school personnel as long as there is no legal impediment.

“Uyon mi ana, apil mga magtutudlo hasta sa ako opisina. (We are in favor of that, including teachers and even in my office),” Monisit said during the Tapok-Tapok sa Media Forum at NS Pension yesterday.

Monisit however said that they still have to inform their central office in Manila about the policy to find out if there is really a legal basis.

“Basin mangreklamo unya ang mga ginikanan ug mga magtutudlo. (The parents and teachers might complain),” he said.

The Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission (CPADAC) chaired by PB Member Carmen Remedios Durano-Meca made the proposal for the Board to enact the ordinance.

The proposal is still subject for public hearing after the PB passed it during the first reading.

In sponsoring the measure, Meca said “there is a strong clamor against drug abuse and for this purpose, to intensify drug testing among students, in secondary and tertiary/higher schools, private and public.”

Meca pointed out that in 1997, the PB already passed Ordinance 97-39 relative to the conduct of random drug testing among students, including those in public schools. — (FREEMAN)