Governor Niño Uy took a definitive step towards fostering a drug-free environment within all departments and offices of the province by formally conferring in public the implementation of the Executive Order (EO) No. 1 Series of 2004 during the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) 1st Quarter Full Council Meeting on March 25, 2024, at Honey’s Hotel in Mati City. This bold commitment was publicly affirmed to highlight the governor’s determination and strong will to uphold the integrity of local government institutions in Davao Oriental.
The executive order underscores the goal of promoting and institutionalizing drug-free workplace policies to safeguard the well-being of all officials and employees, and the general public in totality.
Under the purview of the said executive order, all appointive and elective public officers and personnel within the province will be subject to its provisions. Moreover, the initiative extends its reach to embolden the local government units (LGUs) and private sectors, urging them to adopt tailored versions of the EO with the support and guidance of LGUs, PADAC, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Key provisions of the EO include mandatory annual surprise drug testing for all elective and appointive public officials. Refusal to undergo authorized drug testing, or testing positive for drug use without valid justification, will result in the imposition of administrative sanctions for grave misconduct pursuant to Section 60 of the Local Government Code and Article 124.
Additionally, any public officer found to have tampered with the result of a drug test shall be charged with the administrative offense of Grave Misconduct without prejudice to the filing of a case for violation of section 32, Article II of the Act.
Beyond testing and corrective measures, the implementation plan of the EO includes comprehensive initiatives such as Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention Programs, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and measures to prevent the sale of solvents/volatile substances to minors.
Governor Uy expressed his aspiration and hope that the enforcement of this executive order will catalyze the province’s journey toward a drug-free status. By holding government employees to the highest standards of conduct, the Provincial Government aims to set a good example and inspire affirmative change throughout the entire province. By Francis Jay Butulan | Photos by JB Rain
