MORE than 350 barangay workers and officials in two villages in Cebu City underwent a surprise drug test last Monday, Nov. 5.

The Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (Cosap) administered the surprise test to the workers and officials in Barangays Guadalupe and Sapangdaku upon the request of the officials.

“The barangay officials really requested for the drug test. Those who were not able to submit themselves to the drug test and are receiving financial assistance from the City Government will have to explain,” Cosap chief Garry Lao said.

In Barangay Guadalupe, 280 workers and officials underwent the surprise drug test while only 76 out of the 81 workers and officials of Barangay Sapangdaku did the same.Lao said five workers of Barangay Sapangdaku were not able to join the drug test while another two failed to participate because they were confined in the hospital.

Due to the volume of those who underwent the test, Lao said results will be out within the week.

Lao said he will recommend the termination of those workers who will test positive for illegal drug use.

Association of Barangay Councils President and Kasambagan Barangay Captain Franklin Ong said the conduct of a surprise drug test is proper because a drug-free barangay should start within the barangay hall and its workers.

“The barangay hall serves as the center of barangay governance and a drug free barangay hall should be the top priority of the punong barangay. I believe Cosap has done a very good job in the campaign for a drug free government workplace,” he said. (RVC)