College students undergo random drug tests

Except for those in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), college students across the country went through random drug testing conducted by the Department of Health (DOH).

Drug screening in the ARMM was put off in deference to the Muslims’ observance of Ramadan from Sept. 12 to Oct. 11, Dr. Benjie Reyes, program manager of the DOH’s anti-drug abuse campaign, said.

Reyes said some 6,000 college students from 17 schools in each region were tested for illegal drug use.

He refused to reveal the results yet, but hinted these were almost similar to the outcome of the drug testing conducted among high school students in 2005.

The DOH found out then that 76,800 or 1.2 percent of 6.4 million high school students nationwide were on substance abuse.

This situation was revealed after the department randomly tested 5,648 high school students nationwide.

Marijuana appeared to be the substance mostly abused by the students, followed by shabu.

Under the DOH project, those who test positive for illegal drugs are subjected to counseling. If they are proven dependent on prohibited drugs, they can undergo rehabilitation with the consent of their parents.

Reyes said the random drug testing is meant to give the government a clear picture of the drug abuse problem among the youth. 

The test results will be used in formulating policies and programs against drug addiction, he said.    – Sheila Crisostomo