RANDOM DRUG TEST FOR TEACHERS TOO!

As school authorities are preparing for the random drug testing of
students enrolled in 133 private and public high schools in Negros
Oriental beginning June 2009, some concerned citizens are also
challenging the Department of Education to also subject members of
the faculty to the same tests if only to rid proven drug dependent
teachers from the academe.

City Schools Division Supt. Dr. Profetiza Lim admitted that there
are rumors about some teachers who are involved in the use of
illegal drugs and believes that conducting random drug tests among
teachers is a good suggestion.

Dr. Milagros Velez, Negros Oriental Schools Division Superintendent
said she has no objection if teachers are to undergo drug test but
she emphasized the need to strictly observe confidentiality.

"Just like our policy regarding the students who will be subjected
to drug tests, we should not make public their names to protect
their reputations," she stressed.

Lim said the drug testing among students is only meant to find out
the extent of illegal drugs use and to help in the rehabilitation of
those who are found positive.

For about ten days, ten students from each of the 133 private and
public high schools will be randomly selected to undergo drug test
which will be administered by personnel from the Department of
Health and Dangerous Drugs Board.