COSAP’s Utlang says campaign against illegal drugs “working”

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City’s anti-illegal drug testing chief believes their campaign is effective, gauging from the negative result of a random drug test on Cebu City Health Department employees.

Thirty-three CHD employees underwent a surprise drug screening conducted by Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention for illegal drugs use, with not one testing positive.

Dr. Alice Utlang, COSAP chief, said that this result is proof that their campaign against the use of illegal drugs is working.

 “Yes (effective). And now they are aware (of the effects of the illegal drugs),” she said.

Utlang said they are constantly conducting seminars to employees of the different departments of City Hall.

“During sa seminar amo sad gyud gi-explain nila ang ordinance,” she said.

She was referring to the ordinance the City Council passed in 2000, in which all employees of the city government are mandated to undergo the random drug testing.

She advised those who are currently into drugs to stop while they still can.

“Mas maayo gyud na mo stop na sila aron modecrease pud ang demand sa drugs. Unya kay i-random man namo ang pag-test di gyud sila makahibalo nga sila na diay i-test kay i-raffle man ang department ug ang employees,” she said.

Meanwhile, COSAP’s random drug testing in Barangays Kalunasan and Quiot Friday netted nine barangay employees positive for illegal drugs use.

Of the nine, two were from Barangay Quiot (a loader and a street cleaner) while the rest were from Barangay Kalunasan (four barangay tanods, two loaders, and a mechanic).

Based on COSAP’s recommendation, those who are caught as drug users would be terminated from their jobs; they could only possibly work again after undergoing a free drug rehabilitation program the government provides.

 Utlang has always been encouraging the drug users to undergo the drug rehabilitation program.

  “We are here to help them. Kay og sa private sila nga rehabilitation center very expensive kaayo. Atong purpose nga sa sayo pa mabag-o sila,” she added.  (FREEMAN)