CITY OFFICIALS SUPPORT DEPED DRUG TEST DRIVE

CITY officials recently declared their support to the Department of
Education (DepEd), which announced last week that it would conduct
random drug testing among high students in public schools in the city.

But at the same time some city councilors appealed to DepEd officials
to subject the move to further study.

Councilor Lourdes Casabuena, chairman of the City Council committee on
education, said the city has no budget to support the DepEd drive.

She also asked local education officials to properly coordinate their
activities with the city government.

DepEd division schools superintendent Dr. Nenita Golez earlier
announced the random drug testing would be conducted by Manila
personnel of the education department.

"I know that there is a budget from the national office para diyan,
pero hindi namin alam ang papel ng siyudad at maging ng (for it but we
do not know what is the role of the city and the) local school board,"
Casabuena however said.

The councilor also urged the city government to first establish a
rehabilitation center for those students that need rehab.

Casabuena also reported fighting against illegal drugs is now one of
the concerns of the city and the 1st congressional district of South
Cotabato.

"Actually we have some P50,000 fund allocation for the reproduction of
illegal drug materials for the students," said Casabuena.