TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN – in a bid to maintain its status as a drug-free workplace, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 2 (DILG R2) through the Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) and Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) in partnership with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 2, held an orientation on the Drug-Free Workplace Program and Dangerous Drugs Board policy updates on July 5, 2021 via zoom online platform.

Supporting the current administration’s thrust against illegal drugs, DILG R2 is stepping up its efforts through constant conduct of activities that provide an information drive and updates on the latest DDB policies as well as a refresher course on the commonly trafficked and consumed drugs, to its employees and personnel.

Heading all those in attendance, DILG R2 Regional Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr., in his message said that it is unwarranted for DILG R2 to exact compliance from LGUs if the office itself is not compliant. He also challenged all DILG R2 employees to keep abreast with the latest updates and other drug-related issuances.

PDEA Assistant Regional Director, Christy E. Silvan, and Atty. Lailanie Marpuri acted as resource speakers and they discussed topics relative to drug use in the workplace. They also delved on the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9165, otherwise known and cited as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Closing the activity, DILG Assistant Regional Director, Elpidio A. Durwin, called upon every DILG personnel to always be engaged whether at work or in any worthwhile activities because as he put it, “an Idle mind is the Devil’s workshop”.

As one of the offices in the Regional Government Center first declared as drug-free workplace, DILG R2 continuously endeavors to keep it that way, through the constant conduct of information dissemination, drug prevention activities and random drug-testing of its officials and personnel.

(SOURCE: HRMO II JAPEACE C. ABUGAN)