Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Regional Office V
Legazpi City
Trunk line (052) 4835659, 483-5656, 204-0040, 204-0050, 204-0090, 742-1731, 742-1728
FAX local no. 104
Email address: chd_bicol@yahoo.com.ph Website: http://ro5.doh.gov.ph

July 11, 2018

REGIONAL MEMORANDUM
No. : _____________

FOR: ALL DOH RO V EMPLOYEES INCLUDING EMPLOYEES OF

RETAINED HOSPITALS AND TREATMENT AND
REHABILITATION CENTERS

FROM: NAPOLEON L. AREVALO, MD, MPH, CESO IV

OIC, Director IV

SUBJECT: INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF A DRUG - FREE WORKPLACE

PROGRAM

Drug abuse is a major public health and social problem with far-reaching adverse effects that can
affect not only the individual and his/her family but also his/her community/workplace.
Likewise, it can threaten public safety, impair job performance, result in costly rehabilitation,
cause medical, social and other problems affecting employees and employers alike.

Republic Act No. 9165 otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”,
specifically states under its Section 2 that it is the policy of the State to safeguard the integrity of
its territory and the well-being of its citizenry from the harmful effects dangerous drugs on their
physical and mental well-being, and to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to
their development and preservation. Moreover, Republic Act No. 6713 also known as “Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards of Government Officials and Employees” provides under its
Section 2 that it is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in the public service.

Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge
their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence and loyalty, act with patriotism and
justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest. To maintain these
ethical standards, public officials and employees must abstain from using dangerous drugs.

The DOH is committed to provide a safe working environment and promote the well-being and
health of itss employees. The DOH prohibits the use of prohibited/regulated drugs or the irrational
use of prescription medications; reporting to work while under the influence of prohibited drugs;
possessing, distributing or selling prohibited drugs.
 Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Regional Office V
Legazpi City
Trunk line (052) 4835659, 483-5656, 204-0040, 204-0050, 204-0090, 742-1731, 742-1728
FAX local no. 104
Email address: chd_bicol@yahoo.com.ph Website: http://ro5.doh.gov.ph

The Department DOH also considers drug use and abuse as a disease more than a criminal
problemact. As such, strategies and assistance programs are geared towards assessment as to the
category/extent of drug abuse and the corresponding intervention, treatment and rehabilitation or
other necessary management to affected employees.

The following activities should shall be observed in the institutionalization of a Drug Free
Workplace:

1. Drug Free Workplace Program Policy that must be communicated and made well known
to all employees regardless of employment status (ref. DOH AO No. 2009-0023,
November 23, 2009);
2. Regular conduct of advocacy, education and training regarding prevention of drug abuse;
3. Conduct of drug testing to all employees by an authorized and DOH accredited DOH
government drug testing laboratory in accordance with the procedures set forth by the
Dangerous Drugs Board:
3.1 Pre-employment drug test as a requirement for initial entry to government service;
3.2 Annual mandatory drug testing of all employees without prior notice to date and venue;
and
3.3 Random drug tests from time to time,as the need arises, for the purpose of monitoring
and evaluation of the effectivity of the policy implementation.
4. Submit report to this Office regularly. (state whether monthly, quarterly, etc.)

For your information and strict compliance.

ncdpc/EBRS