Drug test in city high schools to start June

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention will start the random drug test in public high schools in the city next school year.

COSAP head Alice Utlang said prior to the implementation, the students’ parents will undergo training and seminar on how they would handle their children found to be illegal drug user.

“Kailangan man natong i-andam tanan aspect sa atong program usa nato i-implement,” Utlang explained. She added, “Last year, human na man ‘ta og seminar sa guidance counselors, so parents na pod ang sunod para makahibaw sila mo-adjust ug mo-handle sa mga bata.”

The seminar will take place on February.

On June 2014, the City Council has approved the resolution of Councilor Noel Wenceslao asking COSAP to conduct random drug testing on high school students.

Article 3 section 36 (c) of Republic Act 9165 known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 states that “students of secondary and tertiary schools shall, pursuant to the related rules and regulations as contained in the school’s student handbook and with notice to the parents, undergo a random drug testing: Provided, That all drug testing expenses whether in public or private schools under this Section will be borne by the government.”

Utlang said they will be prioritizing five to ten schools, which names she refused to divulge, saying this would defeat the purpose of a surprise drug test.

Students found positive for illegal drug use will be evaluated as to what stage they are in terms of usage, said Utlang. She said the stages, from one to four, include peer pressure, occasional use, drug addiction and drug dependency, respectively.

The city government’s free outpatient rehabilitation program only caters the first and second stages, Utlang said, adding that those who will fall under the third or fourth stage should be admitted to a rehabilitation center.

Names of the students found positive as well as their corresponding schools will not be divulged to the media, the COSAP chief said.

Meanwhile, Utlang said they are currently focused on looking for a private drug-testing laboratory accredited by the Department of Health in order to manage COSAP’s random drug testing operations.

“Mag-hire ta og private laboratory nga accredited sa DOH aron dali ra kon naa na mi schedule kay maghuwat pa man gud ta sa availability sa medical technicians sa City Health Department kay kulang man gud sila og med tech,” Utlang explained. (FREEMAN)