Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte has partnered with East Avenue Medical Center toward the implementation of an annual drug test for all city hall employees.
“We expect that the implementation of an annual drug test for our employees will be more efficient. This is to strengthen our drive for a drug-free workplace in Quezon City,” she said.
The vice mayor is the chairperson of the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council.
Belmonte said she is also working with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to combat illegal drug abuse in private establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, subdivisions, condominiums, and warehouses, by requiring employees to be educated on its harmful effects.
In 2015, the city council passed Ordinance SP-2460 or the Quezon City Drug-Free Work Place Ordinance, requiring all officials and employees at city hall go through an annual drug testing to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
According to Belmonte, in 2018, 23,377 government employees, barangay officials, staff and members of tricycle operators and drivers associations have completed the annual drug testing since 2016.
She called on business owners to ensure that their workplaces are drug-free.
