By JEN BAYLON
Nineteen employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government tested positive for illegal drugs following a surprise drug test conducted on December 18, 2024.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II reported that among those who tested positive, three are regular employees, seven are job order workers, six are security personnel, and three are contract-of-service workers.
As a consequence of the findings, the contracts of the job order and contractual workers will not be renewed this January, Diaz said.
Meanwhile, regular employees will undergo confirmatory tests to verify their results.
Those who test positive again will be offered the opportunity to participate in a drug rehabilitation program if they wish to be reinstated in their positions.
However, employees who refuse to enter rehabilitation will face charges of grave misconduct, which could lead to further disciplinary action.
The initiative is part of a broader campaign by the provincial government to ensure a drug-free workplace at the Capitol.
This surprise drug testing involved a total of 1,800 Capitol employees, including 1,100 based at the Capitol and 700 assigned to provincial hospitals.
The provincial government’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment underscores its dedication to public health and safety.
Diaz emphasized that these measures are crucial not only for the welfare of the employees but also for the community they serve./JB, WDJ