MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL— Some 500 job order employees of the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental underwent a mandatory drug testing on the Monday, January 20, at the Provincial Capitol.
Of the 2,500 job order employees, 500 underwent the test which was facilitated by the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
PADAC Action Officer and Provincial Administrator Art Benjie Bulaong said that the activity, was in compliance with the Philippine Anti-Drug Strategy which is aimed at maintaining a drug-free workplace.
The mandatory drug test is a prerequisite for the renewal of their contracts.
An orientation on RA 6713 also known as “An Act Establishing a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” was held before the drug testing stated.
Bulaong said that the activity is part of the directives of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang “to ensure that all employees, even public officials, regular employees, contractual, job orders, and others should adhere to Executive Order number 66 or the Philippine Anti-Drug Strategy signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and also in accordance with the ordinance from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and memorandum issued by Governor Dayanghirang.”
None of the 500 was found positive of using illegal drugs, they where immediately allowed to sign their contract for the months of January to June this year.
But for employees who will be found positive will be terminated from service.
Provincial Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) chief Reynaldo Bicoy said regular employees will also be subjected to the same test, and those who will be found positive will be subjected “to six months rehabilitation at their own expense and without salary, according to Civil Service Regulations,.”
He/she will be allowed to resume to work if he will be issued a certificate from a government physician that he is fit to work again, Bicoy added.
“If they are mild and moderately affected, they can be catered under Community-Based Rehabilitation Program but if they are severely affected, they will be admitted at the Balay Silangan: Bagong Bahay Para sa Bagong Buhay drug reformation facility,” Bulaong explained.
Mr. Bulaong added that the activity will continue until January 22 to cater the rest of the job order employees while another 4 days will be allocated for the drug testing of Municipal employees from all over the province.
A surprise drug testing will also be held, according to Bulaong.-Newsline/with a report of Riza Golez
