SAN FERNANDO –Some 715 employees, including city officials and department heads, of the local government of San Fernando on Tuesday underwent drug testing.
Mayor Edwin Santiago said this is pursuant to the memorandum circular issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that mandates all public officials and government employees to a random drug test as a condition for continuous employment.
“We have tested half of the population of the LGU (local government unit) employees. They were selected randomly through electronic raffle system,” Santiago said during the Preventive Drug Education and Advocacy Orientation.
The test was conducted by the DrugCheck Philippines Incorporated and results were expected to be released after three weeks.
According to CSC, any government official or employee who test positive shall undergo a drug dependency examination, which will only be conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) or any of its accredited medical practitioners to assess what type of user the person is and to determine the treatment needed.
“This is the first time that the city hall employees have undergone drug test. Aside from strengthening the anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte, this will also boost public’s trust in the government,” Santiago said.
Meanwhile, the employees were also oriented about the cause and effects of substance abuse and the effective ways to treat and prevent drug-related disorders.
They were also reminded to refrain from cigarettes and alcohol, also known as dangerous combination that harm the human body. (PNA)
