ILOILO – Following the discovery of a plastic sachet of suspected shabu in the possession of a 16-year-old male student at a school in Janiuay town last week, the Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Iloilo hs reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs in all public schools.
Ernesto Servillon Jr., the Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd-Iloilo, emphasized the department’s firm stance on drug prevention, stating, “The DepEd reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs in our schools. We have taken immediate and appropriate actions, including coordination and cooperation with the local police and social welfare office. Our commitment to student safety remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to providing necessary support and rehabilitation for the affected student.”
Servillon expressed concern over the Janiuay incident, citing the young age of the involved student and the absence of any previous unruly behavior.
“This is a very isolated case, but we are not taking this for granted. That is why we have interventions and have enhanced our projects and activities against illegal drugs,” he told Panay News.
The superintendent also detailed the implementation of the banner program “Bwas Damlag Amligan, Droga Likawan” which began on September 27, 2023.
The program is part of the National Drug Education Program, including “Barkada Kontra Droga”, which conducts activities to steer learners away from illegal drugs.
In addition, Servillon has organized Drug Watch Committees in all schools, especially secondary institutions, to gather data on drug-related activities and coordinate with law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to ensure a drug-free environment in schools.
The Janiuay student is currently in the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and is undergoing an Alternative Delivery Modality or modular learning to ensure his continuous education.
Decisions regarding his return to mainstream classes are pending further advice from the MSWDO and a resolution from the Philippine National Police.
Servillon urged students to avoid illegal drugs and consider their futures. He reiterated the directive to school officials, staff, and parents to take the implementation of anti-drug programs seriously and to monitor children’s activities both at home and in the community.
“Rest assured that DepEd will continue to enhance drug prevention and education programs and advocacies to ensure an enabling, supportive, and safe learning environment for our learners. We enjoin all our stakeholders to support us in this plight,” Servillon added./PN
