The random drug testing of employees from various government agencies under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has officially begun.
This initiative is part of the ongoing "BIDA Program" or "Buhay Ay Ingatan, Droga'y Iwaksi Natin" campaign, the government's anti-drug use campaign.
During the grand opening of the BIDA Sports and Cultural Fest at Camp Crame, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos stated that this step is crucial to ensure a drug-free environment for all government employees.
According to the Secretary, it is a significant measure in addressing the demand reduction for illegal drugs in the country.
"Meron naman talaga sa gobyerno. There should be random drug testing kami naman sa DILG talagang we're going to implement it kasi napakaimportante nito. Puro tay osa supply deduction, makakatulong lung sa deman deduction din," he emphasized.
"And aside from this, nakita naman natin 'yung mga private [companies] na talagang kami na rin ang humihingi ng tulong na baka pupwedeng sila rin [ay magconduct ng drug testing sa kumpanya]," he added.
The series of random drug tests will cover employees of the DILG, PNP, BFP, BJMP, and local government units nationwide. Should any employee test positive, they will be held accountable under the existing laws pertaining to illegal drug use.
Last week, the DILG also launched the "BIDA Workplace" program, which encourages private sector companies to establish drug-free workplaces for their employees.
