SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (TRC)-La Union and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 1 marked a milestone in the fight against workplace substance abuse by launching a Drug-Free Workplace Orientation Program on Jan. 6 at the Senior Sangguniang Bayan Member (SSBM) Mariquita Ortega Headquarters in San Juan, La Union.
The initiative brought together over 60 employees from various hotels, restaurants, hostels, and transient facilities in the municipality, underscoring the vital role of local businesses in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both workers and tourists.
Objectives and takeaways
The Drug-Free Workplace Orientation Program was designed to address the growing need for proactive measures against substance abuse in workplace settings, which includes:
- Equipping participants with knowledge on workplace anti-drug policies and compliance with national drug prevention laws;
- Educating employers and employees on early detection of substance abuse behaviors in the workplace, including emotional instability, social withdrawal, and declining work performance, such as frequent absences, mood swings, and missed deadlines;
- Highlighting the legal consequences of drug-related offenses and the importance of creating a supportive environment for rehabilitation; and
- Providing guidance on establishing drug-free workplace programs and testing protocols in their establishments.
During the orientation, PDEA-Region 1 explained the laws behind drug-free workplace policies, including Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department Order No. 53-03, or the “Guidelines for the Implementation of a Drug-Free Workplace Policies and Programs for the Private Sector.”
The agency stressed that enforcing these policies protects businesses from legal issues while keeping employees safe, healthy, and productive.
Meanwhile, the TRC-La Union tackled the medical and psychological impacts of drug use, the importance of early intervention, and the available treatment options under its programs.
Dr. Marvin Munar, Chief of Hospital III of TRC-La Union, said that there is a need for a collective responsibility among relevant sectors in ensuring workplace safety.
“A drug-free workplace is not just a goal; it’s a fundamental step towards a healthier and safer community for everyone. We believe that by working together, we can create a tourist hub like San Juan that is healthy and well,” Munar said.
The orientation encouraged active participation, with attendees sharing insights and asking questions about implementing drug-free workplace policies in their respective establishments.
Emily Agsaulio-Bringas, one of the participants from Puerto de San Juan Beach Resort Hotel, emphasized the importance of the orientation in strengthening workplace safety and health standards.
“The orientation conducted by PDEA and TRC-La Union provided crucial guidance for establishments to align their Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) programs with effective anti-drug measures,” Agsaulio-Bringas said.
She also explained that a drug-free workplace program is essential to safeguarding employees’ well-being and maintaining productivity.
Government and community support
The program was further strengthened through the support of the Office of La Union First District Representative Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V, the local government of San Juan’s Sangguniang Bayan, and members of the TRC-La Union’s Multi-Sector Governance Council, showcasing a multi-sector effort towards sustainable community safety.
The Drug-Free Workplace initiative is also not a one-time event.
TRC-LU and PDEA-R1 have outlined plans for follow-up assessments and compliance monitoring for participating establishments.
Additionally, regular workshops and refresher programs will be conducted to ensure sustained implementation of drug-free workplace policies.
Why this matters
San Juan, known for its tourism industry, stands to benefit from this initiative.
By fostering drug-free environments in workplaces, the program aims to enhance public trust, improve employee productivity, and maintain the town’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for families and tourists.
Through this collaborative campaign, San Juan not only takes a forward step towards becoming a model for safety and health in the workplace but also sets a strong precedent for other municipalities in the region.
This initiative also aligns with the government’s goal of creating a drug-free Philippines and contributes to the overall well-being of the community. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
