MAASIN CITY- The 15 employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) who were found positive of illegal drugs use last year will complete the 11-month rigid recovery program on October 21.
District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia is pleased with the progress of these workers. At least 14 of them received the “fit to work” certificate from the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC).
“I’ve seen how their performance has improved during the rehabilitation process. After their graduation, they will be monitored regularly by the DOH-TRC to ensure that they will completely abandon illegal drugs,” Junia said.
Key officials of the DPWH-SLDEO and DOH-TRC will witness the graduation rites.
To recall, 23 employees were found positive of illegal drugs use – 17 are job order workers and six permanent personnel – during the August 17, 2015 drug test.
Junia initiated the rehabilitation program of 23 workers giving them “chances to change”, but only 16 of them opted to join the weekly outpatient service program sessions being done by DOH-TRC.
The district office required permanent employees to undergo a mandatory rehabilitation program. Dismissed job order workers were given the option to go through the recovery process.
The SLDEO provided a space at the SLDEO Area Equipment Service compound for the conduct of weekly session for drug users. The weekly sessions started on October 2015.
The battle is not yet over for six regular employees who are facing administrative cases at the DPWH central office for drugs use.
Recently, lawyers from the DPWH main office legal division came to Southern Leyte to conduct hearing of their administrative case as a means to mitigate possible consequences
After the hearing, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar will decide whether to dismiss or impose disciplinary actions to the six regular workers. (PR)
