Luna, Apayao - Over 500 employees of the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) underwent a random drug testing during the PGA General Assembly earlier today, April 17, 2023 at Aliwa Gym, Luna.
The initiative aims to ensure all PGA officials and employees are drug-free and can perform their duties and functions to the best of their ability. Said undertaking is also a part of the government's efforts to eradicate drug menace in Apayao and keep the province drug-free.
All employees were required to undergo the drug test, including officials, administrative staff, and other personnel. The test was conducted using standard procedures and equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Said test was conducted by a team of medical professionals from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), who collected urine samples from all who are in attendance. The samples were then sent to government accredited laboratory for analysis.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Edmar Pascua stressed that the drug test was not meant to punish or humiliate anyone, but rather to ensure that all employees are fit to perform their duties and to promote a safe and healthy working environment.
"We want to ensure that all government employees are not only physically fit but also free from any illegal drug use that may compromise their performance and put the safety of the public at risk," he said.
Likewise, Pascua also wanted to assure the constituents that the provincial government is committed to eradicating the drug problem in the province, "We want our officials and employees to be drug-free so that they can perform their duties well and to serve the yApayaos with integrity and dedication."
In his message, acting Governor Remy Albano expressed his support to the initiative and emphasized the importance of promoting a drug-free workplace. "As public servants, it is our responsibility to uphold public safety and ensure that our work is not compromised by any illegal activities. We want to send a clear message that we will not tolerate any illegal drug use among our employees," he said.
The results of the drug test will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of determining the fitness of the employees to perform their duties. Those who test positive will be given the opportunity to seek treatment and rehabilitation, and will be subjected to disciplinary action in accordance with existing policies and guidelines.
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