Companies told: Implement drug-free workplace policy

CEBU, Philippines —  The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-7) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) are calling on business establishments to strictly implement a drug-free workplace policy.

PDEA-7 spokesperson Leia Albiar said the two agencies will be jointly monitoring compliance of the companies in Central Visayas. 

"Sa mga private sector, gina-monitor ni sa DOLE no, dapat naay drug-free workplace policy ang mga company...monitoron ang mga employees ani, naay random drug-testing, orientation, naay referral and rehabilitation sa mga mag-positive," said Albiar.

According to Albiar, the drug-free workplace policy has been espoused by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the DOLE and PDEA were tasked in the monitoring.

During the meeting of the inter-agency committee on anti-illegal drugs in the region, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that there are still few companies in Central Visayas that are not compliant with the policy.

"So mao sad ni nga I'll take this opportunity na awhagon ang mga private companies nga naay ten or more employees nga kung wala pa moy drug-free workplace (policy), na pag-implement na ani," said Albiar.

The absence of such policy might result in company’s employing an illegal drug user that could affect productivity notwithstanding the risk of the company being placed under monitoring by the authorities.

"Mao gyud ni isa sa goal sa drug-free workplace policy nga katong naay drug-use problem matabangan sila pareha sa nahitabo sa atong mga drug surrenderers na kung kinsa to’ng mogamit, matabangan sila," said Albiar.

Through the joint monitoring, employees could be prevented from engaging into illegal drugs. — FPL (FREEMAN)