BAGUIO CITY – As part of the campaign against illegal drugs, the city government here has been continuously partnering with other government, non-government, private and religious sectors to assist Persons with Substance Use Disorder (PSUDs) in the city of Baguio.
Being public servants, city hall employees were not excused in undergoing random drug testing last year in order to determine who among the employees are engaged in illegal drugs.
As a result, three employees were found out to be positive in the drug test, however, they were given a chance and enough time by mayor Mauricio Domogan to change so as not to be dismissed from government service.
The local chief executive was delighted to learn that the said 3 employees passed the confirmatory test.
Domogan disclosed that there is no need to conduct a second round of random drug testing to city hall employees not unless a report and valid evidence will reach his office.
“Kung may report at ebidensiya na maipapakita sa aking tanggapan na ang isang empleyadong ay gumagamit, nabebenta of nagtutulak ng illegal na droga, that is the time that the concerned employee will undergo random drug testing,” said Domogan.
Meanwhile, the city has strengthened its Persons with Substance Use Disorder (PSUDs) through the Integrated Participatory Community Building program. A community based drug rehabilitation activity was implemented for 543 identified PSUDs who were profiled and have undergone psycho education. A total of 294 PSUDs have actually completed the sessions. The integrated drug rehabilitation program holds a promise for a new chance for a normal social life of determined reformists.
“A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between the city government and different religious sectors to conduct various symposiums, seminars, lectures to high school students in values formation particularly the ill effects of illegal drugs,” added the mayor. /Jho Arranz
