STEC-SHS: Stand on D.O. no.40, s. 2017

Committee: Science and Technology Education Center

Topic: Random Drug Testing in Public and Private Secondary Schools

Country: Philippines

Delegate: Eddy M'hrry Ziga, STEC SHS Representative

Outside the country, the Philippines is the topic of discussions due to its warlike attempts at subjugating criminals, specifically drug pushers, users, addicts, and abusers. This is due to the unsavory methods used by the president that often conflict with other’s opinions. However, president Duterte is not only focused on eradicating every drug user, he also wants to prevent more people falling into the dangers of drugs. To do this, the government has decided to target the younger demographic; the youth who will eventually lead the country. The Department of Education issued the guidelines for the conduct of random drug testing in public and private secondary schools. These oversee the drug tests in schools for school-year 2017-2018 and from that point. Science and Technology Education Center – Senior High School stands to agree with this ordinance. It seeks to help deter the use of illegal drugs, an issue which the institution would be more than happy to assist with. The government services can also extend their help to the students who have been exposed to the dangers of illegal substances. Lastly, the results of the tests can be used to improve or create prevention programs for the community.

Deter illegal drug usage. It is the main purpose of this DepEd Order, which is correlated to Duterte’s main goal of removing all drug-related issues and criminals from the Philippines. There are several ways that this order can do so. First off, being able to identify students who have been exposed to illegal substances will allow the government to help them before they form a high level of dependence. That way, the increase in drug users will be prevented.

Government services. Several conferences will also occur not only to orient the students, parents, and teachers about how the tests will proceed, but it will also spread awareness about drug-related issues in our society. Conferences will also be done after the tests as mentioned in section g, article VI of the DepEd order, wherein the drug testing coordinator will set-up a conference for the parents, student, and a DOH-accredited physician. Students who test positive will be referred to DOH facilities where their level of dependency will be examined, and several options for their treatment will be presented. The government has also prepared for cases where the shows no signs of recovery. Likewise, consistent with the conditions of confidentiality, the results of the tests will not be used against the students in any way, may it be to accuse them of any crime or to expel them from the school.

Prevention programs. The Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 commands local government units to use a substantial amount of funding to assist and enhance educational programs as mentioned is section 5 of said R.A.. All data collected from the tests will be used to establish a baseline for the prevalence of drug use to improve prevention programs as mentioned in section 75, article X of the DepEd order. This will inevitably help the government in its goal to prevent the rise of drug-related issues.

In conclusion, D.O. no. 40, s. 2017 stands as a strategy made for the sake of improving our country’s current state. It offers several benefits that coincide with the main issue our government is trying to take control of. The institution finds the ordinance a great help and look at it as a way for the education sector of the community to assist the current war on drugs.

Eddy M'hrry Ziga | STEM Mendeleev