ANGELES CITY Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has signed a drug-free workplace policy on January 10, 2023.
Lazatin signed Executive Order No. 3 Series of 2023 which allows the local government to conduct surprise drug testing on all employees of the city government.
This is in accordance with the regulations imposed by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
“We will maintain a drug-free environment in the public service all throughout,” Lazatin said.
Pursuant to the order, those who will yield positive will undergo rehabilitation.
The policy is aligned with Lazatin’s flagship program to rid the city from illegal drugs by reducing its demand through promotion of a drug-free environment and rehabilitation.
A drug-free workplace committee in-charge of implementing the order is mandated to be created inclusively, the EO stated.
According to the EO, such must consist of the concerning department heads and social groups in the city hall and headed by Lazatin.
The Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ACADAC) is also mandated to strengthen their functions as regulators of the city’s drug abuse prevention as per the order.
Lazatin established the Balay Silangan reformation center.
The center eventually expanded during his second term, under the supervision by Chief Adviser, IC Calaguas.
The Balay Silangan Reformation Center is a brainchild of former Director General Aaron Aquino of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to reform illegal drug offenders.