MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, (PIA) – An office-wide surprise random drug test was conducted to all budgetary and Job Order field and office personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte Engineering Office (DPWH-SLEO), Monday August 24.

DPWH-SLEO District Engineer Margarita Junia said that the activity was planned and organized in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and administered by a Department of Health (DOH)-accredited laboratory.

“The purpose of the random drug testing is to cleanse the organization,” Junia quoted. She believes that healthy-bodied and healthy-minded personnel can satisfactorily perform their duties and responsibilities which forms an integral part of achieving the department mandates, she added.

The activity was conducted right after the flag raising ceremony. The employees were directed to proceed to the function hall where the drug testing took place. More than 300 personnel went through the drug test, the source said.

Earlier, the lady district engineer pushed for a mandatory drug testing after agents of the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDEA) caught a DPWH-SLED regular employee for illegal drugs trade last March this year. The suspect alleged that drugs he traded were intended for government engineers.

“The suspect’s claim is alarming because it brought shame to the whole organization,” Junia said.

The surprise drug test found out to have 23 DPWH employees positive of drugs. Though, a confirmatory test is still sought and what action to take with the said employees who were found positive. Junia revealed.

The mandatory drug test is part of DPWH-SLED’s drive to increase awareness on the harmful effects and dangers of drug use/abuse in workplaces. (jrc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)