ONE of the 54 trainees of the Lapu-Lapu City Manpower and Human Development Center (MHDC) has tested positive for illegal drug use.

The City of Lapu-Lapu Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, led by its executive director Garry Lao, conducted a surprise drug test among the trainees on Monday morning, October 3, 2022.

Lao said he will leave it to the MHDC to decide on the fate of the male trainee who tested positive since he is not a City Hall employee.

SunStar Cebu has reached out to MHDC head Maricon Sevilla, but she is yet to respond on the matter.

According to the City’s Public Information Office, the MHDC, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, has been conducting training in dressmaking, electronics and plumbing, which are skills that are reportedly in high demand by manufacturing companies in the city.

The current batch of trainees is expected to graduate at the end of October. (MKG, PJB)