The Province of Cotabato is strengthening its efforts for a drug-free workplace by cementing the rules in the Drug-free Workplace Policy (DFWP) to be implemented by the provincial government.
Recently, the committee thoroughly discussed the rules and provisions of the said policy during the Drug-free Workplace Committee Meeting held at the Cotabato Government Employees Association (COTGEM) Office, Capitol Compound, Amas, Kidapawan City.
Among the goals of the province in implementing such policy is to aid the management in the development/ conduct of anti-drug abuse programs/ activities by promoting a safe and healthy work environment free from dangerous drugs; as well as to create awareness and enhance knowledge among officials and employees on the ill effects of drug abuse.
The meeting is part of the efforts of the provincial government of Cotabato under the leadership of Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza to properly implement the program to further increase the credibility of the provincial government offices and ensure the good health of the workers.
The said activity was led by Provincial Legal Officer lawyer John Haye Deluvio, vice chairperson of the Committee on Drug-free Workplace, and who represented Mendoza during the meeting.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of finalizing the guidelines of the DFWP to successfully realize the true aspiration of such a program.
Some of the rules of the DFWP that were thoroughly discussed include the definition of terms, the composition of the drug-free workplace committee, the responsibility of the provincial government, guidelines in the conduct of authorized drug testing, and the strengthening of campaign awareness.
The meeting was attended by Philippine National Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Harold S. Ramos, Integrated Provincial Health officer Eva C. Rabaya, Cotabato Government Employees Association (COTGEM) president Joey Divinagracia, representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG 12), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12 (PDEA 12), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and representatives from various departments of the provincial government.
