The Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency XI (PDEA XI) launched Oplan Kalasag to promote a drug-free workplace in the city.
“This is to promote drug-free workplace program wherein the participants of this are the different business sectors here in Davao City,” PDEA XI regional director Antonio Rivera said.
He said they will conduct seminars to tackle the rules and policies with the participants so they can help in the anti-illegal drug program of the government.
Oplan Kalasag strives to engage business owners and the management by implementing their own drug-free workplace programs, educate employees on the ill effects of dangerous drugs, and enforce a random drug test for all their officers and staff.
“What they have to do is that, if the business establishment has more than 10 employees, they are required to have policies regarding illegal drugs, and they will subject all their employees to a drug test,” he said.
The said program also aims to educate hotels, bars, restaurants, condominiums, subdivisions, and warehouses’ owners to identify possible drug laboratories, drug dens, and drug warehouses.
Based on Department of Labor and Employment Order 53-03 or the guidelines for the implementation of a drug-free workplace policies and programs for the private sectors, the local government enacted City Ordinance No. 0506 Series of 2013 and implemented the same through Executive Order No. 32, Series of 2018.
Under the new rule, the Business Bureau will not grant or renew the permits of establishments employing 10 or more workers unless declared compliant by the PDEA.
“If they cannot adapt this drug-free workplace program, they will not be allowed to renew their business permits,” Rivera said, adding that the business sector has been receptive and they already conducted 31 seminars to date.
“We are one in promoting a working environment free from the influence of illegal drugs in the public and private sectors. This allows personnel to enjoy better health and safety, at the same time increasing the productivity. A win-win situation for both employers and employees” the PDEA director said.
In collaboration with the local government unit of Davao City, the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, government agencies and private sectors, the simultaneous nationwide advocacy program on Drug-Free Workplace Policy Program or the Oplan Kalasag was launched on Sept. 20 at the University of the Immaculate Conception, Fr. Selga Street.
