By Paulo Loreto Lim

According to Department of Education-Region VI (DepEd-6) Information Officer Leah Belleza, an orientation is scheduled for the end of the month for local DepEd personnel regarding the implementation of random drug testing.

She noted, once their office receives the names of all employees from every schools division in the region, DepEd-6 will work with the Department of Health in drug testing. A task force will also be created in each schools division.

Belleza added, random drug testing is also being planned for teachers and high school students.

“We are targeting to conduct [drug testing] before the closing of the school year, this March,” she said. “We [have] yet to receive guidelines for the students.”

The drug testing is being done in accordance with DepEd Order No. 37, which seeks to promote a “drug-free workplace.”/PLL, WDJ