PRESS RELEASE
March 3, 2017PASIG CITY, March 3, 2017 – In preparation for the random drug testing of students, teachers, and personnel for 2017, the Department of Education (DepEd) will conduct an orientation-training in six clusters in the following locations: Angeles City (for Regions II and III); Manila (for Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, and VIII); Cebu City (for Regions VI and VII); Davao City (for Regions IX, XI, XII, ARMM); Cagayan de Oro (for Region X and CARAGA); and Baguio City (for Region I and CAR).
The orientation-training aims to provide awareness on the legal and regulatory aspect of drug testing; to orient and train Regional and Schools Division personnel on specimen collection and testing; to discuss the initial assessment and intervention for students found to be positive for drug use; and to train participants on documentation and recording of drug testing process.
The said activity will include two participants from each Regional office (health coordinator, and Regional Director or authorized representative); six participants from the Schools Division offices (school division superintendent, medical officer, guidance counselor, two division nurses, and principal); 10 facilitators/resource persons, and six secretariat personnel from the Central Office.
The random drug testing is part of DepEd's support to the government's efforts against illegal drugs. It will cover secondary students, elementary and secondary school teachers, and officers and personnel from the Central, Regional, and School Division offices.
The mandatory drug testing is based on Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Under Section 36, students of secondary and tertiary schools shall undergo a random drug testing as pursuant to the related rules and regulations as contained in the school's student handbook and with notice to the parents.
The Act also requires officers and employees of public and private offices, whether domestic or overseas, to undergo a random drug test.
END
