BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Government has launched a three-day orientation on the Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention Program for its regular employees as part of its initiative to implement mandatory random drug testing and secure recognition as a drug-free workplace from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The orientation, being held at the lobby of the Bacolod City Government Center, serves as a preparatory activity before the implementation of the city’s Drug-Free Workplace Program.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said the first batch of employees attended the orientation on July 20, followed by the second batch on July 21 and the third batch on July 22.
He added that employees who are unable to attend the scheduled sessions will be accommodated in a separate orientation next week.
The program is organized by the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) in coordination with PDEA as part of the policy direction of Mayor Greg Gasataya to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace within the Bacolod City Government.
Mayo said the orientation is a mandatory requirement before the city conducts random drug testing.
“Before implementing mandatory random drug testing, it is important that employees understand the process, the coverage of the guidelines, and the procedures that will be followed,” he said.
He stressed that the orientation does not compromise the integrity or randomness of the drug testing process.
“The drug testing will remain completely random. No one knows when it will begin, which department will be selected first, or which employees within a department will be required to undergo testing,” Mayo said.
According to him, the orientation is designed to familiarize employees with due process, including the drug testing procedures, the protocols if an employee tests positive, the available rehabilitation programs, and the government agencies involved in implementing the process.
Mayo also underscored Mayor Gasataya’s commitment to the city’s anti-illegal drug campaign, noting that one of the mayor’s first acts upon assuming office was to voluntarily undergo a drug test.
“That demonstrates the seriousness of the local government in achieving its goal of maintaining a drug-free workplace,” he said.
The initiative is anchored on Executive Order No. 54, which institutionalizes the Drug-Free Workplace Program in the Bacolod City Government. The order reinforces the city’s commitment to promoting a safe, healthy, and drug-free working environment for all government employees./PN
