DA 11 conducts drug tests on employees

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 11 has conducted a mandatory drug test on its employees through a Memorandum from Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol.

Based on the Health and Wellness Program of DA 11, around 222 regular employees and 400 Job Orders submitted themselves for drug test for the second time this year. This is a directive from Sec. Piñol requiring all DA employees to undergo the check-up twice a year including the Job Order employees which should submit negative result for hiring and or renewal of their contracts.

DA 11 Alternate Focal Person for Anti-Drug Plan of Action Eleonor Ingalla said that as per directed by the DA secretary, those regular employees who will refuse to undergo the mandatory testing shall face administrative sanctions while Job Order employees who will be found positive of dangerous substance will be terminated.

DA will turnover to concerned agencies any drug dependent employees who are willing to undergo rehabilitation process.

DA as partner for change

With drug problem as one of the priority program of PRRD, he signed Executive Order No. 15 which gives birth to the creation of Inter- Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

ICAD seeks to provide a holistic intervention through setting of clear trajectory and direction and in utilizing available resources and programs for rehab and reintegration.