Parents have nothing to fear in the proposed mandatory drug test for students, according to an official from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
According to PDEA 11 information officer Noli Nephi Dimaandal, parents should be thankful for this action of the government, saying that early interventions will be given to those who will test positive.
The statement comes after parents are still apprehended with the proposal of PDEA back in June, wherein students and personnel of public and private schools should undergo surprise drug testing every school year as part of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
In a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) early November, only 51 percent of Filipinos (31 percent strongly agree, 20 percent somewhat agree) agree with the proposal.
Meanwhile, 36 percent disagree (24 percent strongly disagree, 12 percent somewhat disagree) while 13 percent are undecided on the matter.
Dimaandal reiterated on Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference, that the drug test “is not to harass parents nor students”, but rather, “to ensure that there is a drug-free environment in school communities”.
He also said that recently, PDEA-11 conducted a random drug test in an unnamed school, in which a Criminology student was tested positive.
“The parents even thanked us,” Dimaandal added, “For if not for the testing, they would have not found out that there child is involved in the usage of illegal drugs”.
Meanwhile, he urged the parents and school administrators to conduct a dialogue with regards to the planned drug testing to students. He also emphasized that parent’s consent is a must.
Vince Molejon Jr., Secretary General of the Mindanao Peace Council acknowledged the efforts of the government, saying that there is a need for it.
“We cannot deny the fact that the victims of drugs are getting younger,” Molejon said.
He added, “If the government would not encourage drug testing, we, in the civil society, will be affected”.
From January until present, PDEA-11 has already rescued 28 children, involved in illegal drug activities.
According to Dimaandal, most of the minors rescued aged 13 and below, while majority of them were caught in drug den areas.
He said that all rescued children were already turned over to the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO).
