More public school teachers undergo surprise drug test
Teachers at Regino Mercado Elementary and Night High School submit themselves to a surprise drug test conducted by COSAP. Paul Jun E. Rosaroso
CEBU, Philippines — At least 102 teachers and non-teaching personnel from Alaska, Mambaling Elementary School and Night High School were subjected to random drug test yesterday.
The random test conducted by the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention was part of the mandatory drug testing for teachers.
“AngDepEd nag-create man sila og working committee to handle the drug testing. Hulbuton siya og kinsa rung adlawa,” COSAP chief Garry Lao said.
Lao said that 73 of those subjected to the drug test were elementary teachers. He said two teachers were absent when the test was conducted while one refused to undergo allegedly because he was not feeling well.
“Pag-conduct namo he refused, giadto siya sa ubang teachers informing him then ni-refused kay he’s not feeling well and kasukaon. Later on, pa-admit kay ni saka iyahang blood pressure and he said that magpa-laboratory siya,” Lao told The FREEMAN.
Lao said that not feeling well is not a valid excuse not to undergo the drug test. COSAP is asking a detailed report from the school principal why the teacher refused to take the test. Lao said he will document the incident and furnish a copy of his report to DepEd-Cebu City Schools Division superintendent for appropriate action.
Dr. Bianito Dagatan, Cebu City Schools Division superintendent, was not available for interview as of press time.
In Alaska Night High School, 26 teachers underwent the drug test, one administration assistant, one utility worker, and one security guard.
“We will leave it up to DepEd officials unsa ilang buhaton. But COSAP will be the one to set the schedule for these teachers na absent in coordination with DepEd. Dili mahimo na dili nato sila i-drug test, pero di nato sila idungan. Mag-set ta og laing schedule for surprise drug test,” he said.
Lao said all results will be consolidated within the week as there will still be more drug test to come.
According to Lao, there will be drug test every day until all the 69 public elementary schools and 56 high schools shall have been covered.
So far, only four schools — Regino Mercado Elementary, Regino Mercado Night High School, Alaska Mambaling Elementary and Alaska Mambaling Night High School—have been covered by COSAP. (FREEMAN)
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