Educating Employees on Substance Abuse Prevention
BACOLOD - The Bacolod City government is targeting approximately 1,500 regular employees for a series of orientations focused on substance abuse awareness and prevention. The program is part of the local government's efforts to build a drug-free workplace and promote a safe and productive environment for its personnel. Five orientation sessions have been scheduled, with three conducted from July 20 to 22 and two additional sessions planned for July 28 and 29. Through these activities, city employees are being given information to help them understand substance abuse prevention and its potential impact on individuals, workplaces, and communities.
Promoting a Safe and Responsible Workplace
The orientations feature resource persons from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Negros Island Region (PDEA-NIR), who provide information about substance abuse prevention and its effects on the workplace. Employees are also being informed about city government policies and initiatives aimed at maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive working environment. The program is organized by the Human Resource Management Office and the Bacolod City Anti-Drug Abuse Council in coordination with PDEA-NIR. Staff members of the Bacolod City Council were among those who participated in the sessions held earlier this week.
Strengthening the City's Drug-Free Workplace Program
The awareness campaign is part of the drug-free workplace program institutionalized by Mayor Greg Gasataya through Executive Order 54. The mayor has emphasized the importance of government officials and employees serving as role models and has personally undergone drug testing several times since assuming office. Meanwhile, the city's drug-free workplace committee continues to coordinate with PDEA-NIR on guidelines for random drug testing, which is being considered for 50 percent of employees in each department, including regular, plantilla, and contract-of-service personnel. By combining education, awareness, and preventive measures, Bacolod City is working to strengthen accountability among its workforce and promote a safer and more responsible public service.
