Roxas City launches drug-free workplace policy

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The Roxas City government launched Tuesday, June 23, an ordinance institutionalizing a drug-free workplace policy in the local government and appropriating funds for its implementation.

Ordinance No. 031-2026 was authored by Sangguniang Panlungsod member Fernando Luis Bordoy Viterbo.

The ordinance mandates all elected, regular, contractual and job order employees of the Roxas City government to voluntarily submit to random drug testing to set an example in the campaign against illegal drugs.

Regular random drug testing will also be conducted among city government employees, all barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elected and appointed officials, barangay tanods, barangay health workers, barangay social workers and members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.

Viterbo said Roxas City officials, led by Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, voluntarily submitted urine samples before the ceremonial drug testing of city officials and City Peace and Order Council-City Anti-Drug Abuse Council members on June 23 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall.

He said the move was meant to show the sincerity of public servants in the fight against illegal drugs.

The activity formed part of Roxas City’s observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026, reaffirming the local government’s commitment to promote a drug-free community.

The United Nations marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, every June 26 to strengthen action and cooperation against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade.

The program was supported by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council under Dr. Faye A. Besana, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency under Investigation Agent V Jury Racamora.

The Dangerous Drugs Board has called for the establishment and institutionalization of drug-free workplace policies in all government offices, including the conduct of authorized drug testing for elective local officials and appointive public officers.