Three Brgy Labangon workers fail drug test

CEBU, Philippines - Three out of 77 workers of Barangay Labangon, Cebu City tested positive for illegal drug use during last Wednesday’s surprise drug test, a figure reportedly lesser than last year’s.

Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention chief, Dr. Alice Utlang, confirmed the initial results and identified those who tested positive as a garbage truck driver, barangay vehicle driver and disaster risk volunteer.

One of the three had also tested positive in last year’s drug test and had undergone therapy, said Utlang. She has informed Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia of the results through a text message the following day.

At least 77 workers, comprising barangay councilors, tanods, personnel from the garbage department, disaster risk team and maintenance section underwent the drug test.

In a separate interview, Buendia said they did not include everyone in the drug test particularly the senior citizens. The barangay is composed of 101 workers.

He said he is still waiting for the official master list from COSAP before he will schedule for a consultative meeting with the three employees and encourage them to enroll in the city government’s rehabilitation program.

“If they will complete the program successfully, they will have a chance to return to office, however, upon the recommendation from COSAP,” he said.

COSAP’s basic services include offering the “We Care Program,” an out-patient rehabilitation project of the city government facilitating those with drug problems.

“If they will disagree, then there is no reason for them to work with us. They will be terminated. It would be inappropriate for them to continue to serve the barangay,” added Buendia.

In 2014, three out of the seven employees who tested positive in the drug test were terminated from the barangay after they refused to go through the rehabilitation program.  The other four were accepted back to the office after finishing the drug therapy program. How-ever, one of them tested positive again this time.

“I will not allow that there will be drug users in the barangay hall. Our objective is to have a drug-free workplace since we stand as the model for our community,” the barangay captain said.

Meanwhile, at least 60 officials and employees of Barangay Agsu-ngot underwent the same drug test yesterday. Result is set to be revealed today. Eleven barangays have so far undergone the test since January. —  May B. Miasco/NSA (FREEMAN)