Pubdate: Sat, 06 Nov 2004
Source: People's Journal (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 People's Journal
Contact: http://www.journal.com.ph/contactus.asp
Website: http://www.journal.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3381
Author: Allan Bergonia
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/teachers (Teachers)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/area/Philippines

DEPED EYES DRUG TEST FOR TEACHERS

TO ensure "drug-free" public and private schools nationwide, the Department 
of Education (DepEd) is on the lookout for teachers using and selling 
prohibited drugs.

Teacher will also be made to undergo drug tests.

In an interview, Education Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Chito Gascon 
told People's Journal that the education department is calling on parents 
of students, especially in elementary and secondary schools, to report to 
their respective DepEd officials teachers involved in drugs.

The DepEd Research Division said there are about 120,685 teachers in public 
schools and less than 50,000 in private schools.

Gascon said he received reports that in some regions, teachers and students 
were using drugs. He did not identify the regions saying the reports are 
still being investigated.

"Huwag muna nating sabihin ang mga region na very alarming dahil 
magkakaroon pa ito ng investigasyon," Gascon told People's Journal.

The undersecretary said the DepEd is still waiting for the report of its 
Health and Nutrition chief Thelma Santos about the random testing of students.

Aside from students, Gascon said the education department is planning to 
subject to drug testing all teachers. Top education officials will also 
take the test.

"They (teachers) are the model to their students and to stop doubt, 
teachers should also undergo drug testing," Gascon said.

Another DepEd official, who requested not to be identified, said there are 
teachers who have criminal records especially concerning drug related 
cases. He declined to identify them because of the ongoing investigation.

"May mga teachers na may records tungkol sa drugs kaya lang mahirap munang 
sabihin dahil ongoing ang investigation," the source said.

Gascon said that the department needs the help of the Philippine National 
Police to fully implement the anti-drug program and ensure all schools are 
drug free. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake