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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake