DEPED ORIENTATION ON DRUG-TESTING SET

The Department of Education will conduct an orientation on the guidelines
on random drug-testing on Nov. 10 at the Girls Scout Building in Dumaguete
City. Provincial schools division superintendent Aleli Abne said
participants will be high school principals, and teacher-in-charge of
public and private secondary schools.

The orientation is compliance with Republic Act 9165, or the comprehensive
dangerous drug act of 2002, which requires the random drug-testing of
students in public and private secondary and tertiary educational
institutions, including vocational and technical schools.

Abne said the drug-testing is intended to ensure a drug-free institution
and work-place. She, however, said the results will be kept confidential
between the school officials and DECS personnel and will not be used for
criminal conviction.*NV