Employees of the Cebu Provincial Government underwent unannounced drug testing on Monday, March 16, as part of efforts to enforce a drug-free workplace policy under Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
The screening covered both regular and casual employees assigned at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and marked the first batch of drug testing activities for the year.
The initiative follows Executive Order No. 2025-10, issued by Baricuatro, which directs provincial offices to ensure government workplaces remain free from illegal drug use.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the random drug tests aim to promote discipline and accountability among public servants and will continue throughout the year.
“Random ni siya—whole year round. Karon regular ug casual employees sa,” Empaces said, referring to Monday’s batch of employees.
He added that other categories of workers, including job order personnel and employees from other provincial offices, legislative units, and provincial hospitals, will also undergo testing in the coming months.
Offices participating in Monday’s screening included the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Engineering Office, Provincial General Services Office, Provincial Budget Office, Accounting Office, and the Office of the Provincial Administrator.
Empaces said a technical working group oversees the program’s implementation but declined to disclose its members to preserve the element of surprise in future screenings.
The activity coincided with an assembly of the Provincial Employees Association of Cebu, allowing officials to coordinate testing with the gathering.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency assisted the provincial government in carrying out the screenings.
Employees who test positive in the initial screening will undergo confirmatory testing, and confirmed cases will be required to undergo a drug dependency examination by Department of Health-accredited physicians.
The Human Resource Management Office will determine appropriate administrative actions afterward.
“So pahimangno nalang siguro na ni Gov nga gusto gyud ta as public servants, di gyud ta mu-engage ana nga mga vices kay what really Gov wants kay i-drop,” Empaces said.
The program is implemented under the Cebu Provincial Peace and Order Council chaired by Baricuatro. A Drug-Free Workplace Committee under the Office of the Governor also monitors the policy across all Capitol offices. (SBA)
