Negros educator welcomes random drug test
BACOLOD CITY -- A Department of Education official welcomed the random drug test to students because illegal drug use has become rampant among students.
Assistant School Division Supt. Dr. Luisito Escalona said the drug test should be followed with an institutionalized corrective measure that will involve the guidance counselors and the classroom teachers.
Parents too should have a significant role in the move as drug dependency is a matter of parental guidance.
Escalona said the school's guidance program should be functionalize and strengthen.
He also favors drug testing to teachers in order to know who are law abiding and considering that they play a crucial part in shaping students' value system.
Because he believes that drug menace is one of the main causes of society's deterioration, he is in favor of widening the scope of drug testing to include the military and other members of the society.
"Drug dependency is everybody's concern."
President Gloria M. Arroyo approved the random drug test as one of the many measures to stem the growing cases of drug use in the country.
In Manila, the testing has already been started in 15 public schools high schools this week and will continue to cover the entire country. (PIA-LOL)