To deter illegal drug use among minors, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said it would be best for students in public and private high schools in Cebu to undergo random drug testing.
Magpale said she does not see anything wrong with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) plan to require the more than 6,000 high school students in the country to undergo drug testing.
“I fully support DepEd’s decision because I personally witnessed children as young as 11 years old already hooked in illegal drugs. It’s not right for a young child to be already using drugs,” she told reporters on Wednesday.
Magpale expressed confidence that DepEd will ensure confidentiality of the outcome of the drug testing in order to protect the concerned students.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones signed Order No. 40 that would require the conduct of random drug testing among students in private and public high schools in the country.
But Briones’ announcement was meted with opposition by militant students who raised possible violations of their rights.
Briones has clarified that students who will be tested positive for drugs use will be protected from expulsion or suspension by their school administrators and will instead be made to undergo rehabilitation.
Briones also assured that drug test results will not affect the students’ academic standing.
Magpale expressed confidence that the Education Department will adhere to the protection of students’ interest during the implementation of the random drug testing.
In October 2016, DepEd also ordered a random drug testing on elementary and secondary school teachers working in private and public schools.
But unlike in the drug testing proposed for students, teachers who test positive for drug use will be ordered dismissed from their posts.
Their licenses will also be revoked by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Carmen Remedios “Ivy” Meca, head of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO), said they have been coordinating with the DepEd provincial office since June on how to go about the drug testing for teachers.
Meca said she is also scheduled to meet with DepEd Provincial Schools Division head Reah Mar Angtud on August 24 to further discuss the plan.
“We cannot implement the drug testing on our own. It’s up to DepEd. We will just assist them (by providing them) with the drug-testing kits and other materials needed,” Meca said.