Mandaue Council Okays a new drug policy

Mandaue City intensifies its fight against illegal drugs with a new drug -free policy.

Author of the counselor Oscar del Castillo, Jr., the ordinance mandates the testing of drugs before employment for all the employees of the city government, followed by periodic tests and random during their term.

Councilor Cynthia Remedio, co -author of the ordinance, Monday, February 24, 2024, said that employees who test positively and refuse treatment will face strict administrative sanctions.

The policy extends to all elected and appointed civil servants, contract workers and private units in accordance with the Order of the Labor Department and the employment (Dole) no. 53-03.

In order to support exact testing, the city has set up a state-of-the-art drug test laboratory, making sure that all drug warriors and people under the ordinance receive adequate screening.

In addition to routine and surprise drug testing, the policy also applies disciplinary sanctions for any department or unit that fails to implement these measures.

Barangay initiatives also remain a major component of the city’s road to a drug -free community.

Currently, 19 out of 27 Barangays have been declared without drugs.

“We already have 19 barangays without drugs and we hope that the remaining eight will follow soon,” Remedio said.

Barangays that obtain this status receive cash incentives and additional assistance programs for their anti-drug efforts.

However, if a drug-free Barangay is found that violates the rules, it must restart its progress and will be closely monitored by the police.

Remedio said that improved policy aims to protect public health, to ensure a safe working environment and to build a safe community. / hollow