EDITORIAL - Alarming substance abuse

There's really a valid reason for the Cebu City government to be alarmed over the increasing number of barangay workers who are using illegal drugs. For it's not a good sign and would only create an impression that the city government seems to be losing in the battle against such menace.

During a series of recent random drug tests, many barangay workers were tested positive for illegal drugs. Majority of them were barangay tanods, loaders, and garbage truck drivers.

The number is expected to rise considering that many barangays have yet to sign up for the drug test. But the good news is that there are few barangays that are considered drug-free as no one from among their workers tested positive.

Still the trend remains upward. Based on the record of the Cebu City Office on Substance Abuse Prevention, at least 89 barangay employees have already been tested positive during random drug tests.

Now, a rehabilitation program awaits those tested positive before another round of drug tests will be conducted on them. But COSAP will have to make any recommendation to the city government on their status, whether there is a need for them to stay.          

It is almost certain that many of those who tested positive would lose their jobs. But once they become unemployed, the thought of being jobless would certainly drive them to continue taking the illegal drugs.

One reason why some barangay workers, especially those barangay tanods, are taking drugs is that they need to keep awake during their shift at night. But the effects of the deadly substance would only ruin their performance.

COSAP was right in calling for the need to increase the standard in the hiring of barangay tanods. One way is to strictly screen applicants to prevent drug addicts from joining the ranks.  

It is good that the city government is starting to seriously clean up its own backyard from substance abuse. The public hopes that it succeeds because failure would only mean we have a very serious problem.