Youth group condemns mandatory drug testing in HEIs

YOUTH group Kabataan Partylist Northern Mindanao condemns the plan of the Commission of Higher Education (Ched) to conduct mandatory drug testing in universities, colleges and other higher education institutions (HEIs) next academic year.

Vennel Chenfoo, Kabataan Partylist-Northern Mindanao coordinator said it is especially alarming for this to be implemented in Cagayan de Oro where there is a notable increase of drug-related killings.

“The recent incidents happened in almost the same manner and pattern of 'nisukol maong namatay' which is unlikely and hard to believe in,” Chenfoo said.

SK Federation President John Michael Seno said the program has a good purpose and that is to ensure that the youth has a bright future.

A criminology graduate, Seno said he supports this move that he said is consistent with Duterte's platform.

“It is important that at school, students are already cleared of illegal drugs before moving on to work. I was once a student and I saw that some students are really into drugs,” Seno said.

Seno also pointed out that it is important to choose friends that will influence you to good.

“Students should go to school not for any other reasons, but only to study hard,” he added.

The Ched this week approved the move to conduct mandatory drug testing of college students as well as student applicants, after Ched Chairperson Patricia Licuanan recently approved Ched Memorandum Order Number 64, series of 2017.

The memorandum states all HEIs that want to implement mandatory drug testing should first conduct consultation with students. The drug tests are also confidential, with sanctions imposed upon school officials and medical personnel who will violate it.

The drug test must only be administered by drug facilities, physicians, and private medical practitioners who are accredited by the Department of Health.

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