THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region commends the Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of La Union for achieving a drug free workplace during the conferment ceremony held at the latter’s Division Conference Center on March 4, 2024.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco extended her congratulations to DepEd La Union for their drug-abuse prevention and control initiatives, and for taking proactive steps in keeping their employees safe and healthy.
“Drug abuse has been known to affect not only the individual’s family, but also his or her workplace and even the community as well. It can impair job performance, cause medical and social problems even threaten public safety and leads to costly rehabilitation,” she stated.
The education department issued DepEd Order No. 37, s.2017, a Drug-Free Workplace Policy to promote the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment in all its workplaces and schools, free from the use of dangerous drugs, to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of its employees, and to reduce health and safety risks to learners and to the public.
The policy includes a mandatory drug testing program for officials and employees, including teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department pursuant to RA No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“Having been declared as a drug free workplace, the public is assured that DepEd La Union will effective and efficient provide a quality service from the government, free from the ill–effects of drug use in the workplace,” Sydiongco added.
“May you continue your worthy endeavor and sustain your efforts in safeguarding the health and safety of everyone against the use of illegal drugs.”
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Ilocos region presented the certificate of appreciation and commendation to the education officials and personnel.
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