DDB eyes tapping landlords to ensure safety of students

CEBU, Philippines – Dangerous Drugs Board Undersecretary Paul Clarence Oaminal is set to meet with owners of lodging houses after his office received reports that some students carry out shabu sessions in their boarding houses.

Oaminal said that it is the obligation of the landladies and landlords to check their boarders first before letting them rent rooms or spaces.

“They should be strict in dealing with boarders or lodgers to avoid any shabu session,” he said. Else, owners of boarding houses would be held criminally liable for non-cooperation in the various campaigns of the government against the proliferation of illegal drugs.

Oaminal was with Chief Supt. Lani-o Nerez, director of the Police Regional Office-7, in a visit to the Cebu Normal University, University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas, and the University of Cebu yesterday.

Despite threats on the possible spread of the A(H1N1) virus in schools and on the existence of gangs and fraternities that carry out illegal activities in campuses, the two officials observed that the start of classes in all levels yesterday went smoothly.   

Dr. Marcelo Lopez, president of the CNU, said that the school doesn’t have any problem with fraternities, but that they have a number of student organizations. These groups however connect their goals and objectives with that of the school publication, he said.

As for Gerald Anthony Gullas, UV assistant vice president for administration, they noticed of a decrease in the number of enrollees despite a drop in tuition rates. However, as enrollment is still going on, they expect to attract more foreign students to their programs. In relation to the A(H1N1) scare, UV advises their students especially the foreigners to meet with Dr. Remedios Bacasmas, the university physician, first to ensure that they are in the pink of health.

Since they do not have a thermal scanner yet to determine a person’s body temperature, they expect that students would be more responsible by not reporting to school if they are suffering from the symptoms of influenza and to seek medical help immediately. For personal hygiene purposes, additional wash stations are installed in the school premises.

Meanwhile, Nerez met with university administrators to share tips on how to enforce sound policy in school that would ensure the safety of students. He also provided them police hotline numbers in case of emergency or the need for assistance and is expected to assign policemen in schools that conduct night classes. — Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)