MU conducts random drug testing

MISAMIS University conducted the Random Drug Testing (RDT) of college students in pursuant to Section 36 of Article III of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drug act of 2002”

The purposes of which are to determine the prevalence of drug users among students; assess the effectivity of school-based and community-based prevention programs; deter the use of illegal drugs; facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users and dependents ; and strengthen the collaboration efforts of identified agencies against the use of illegal drugs and rehabilitation of drug users and dependents.
The Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) recently issued DDB regulation no. 3 section 2009 re: General guidelines of RDT for guidance and compliance of all concerned.

In his letter for the parents of the MU students, Joey A. Cabrera, the MU Director for Student Affairs and at the same time the Drug testing Coordinator said that it is important to mention that the cost of the drug test is borne by government, hence, no fee for shall be charged from the student or parent.
“My office is wide open for you to come if you have further questions or clarification on this matter, please get in touch in my DSA office or you can call me with this no. (088) 521 – 0367 or for local you can simply dial 113,” Cabrera added.

Cabrera’s letter also explains the process of RDT which will be done by 3 phase. During the First phase which is the Pre-specimen Collection phase the Commission on Higher Education ( CHED) requires the creation of the “selection Board” at the school/institution level and orients them on roles and responsibilities including preparation of documents. CHED through the selection Board the parents or families of students on the conduct of RDT in writing. CHED with the Department of Education (DOH) prepares and plan the conduct of RDT and convenes the team.

At the second phase which is the Specimen collection Phase, RDT team meets with the selection of board of the school concerned, pays courtesy call and does orientation, while simultaneously preparing the collection site. RDT team and selection of board, following set procedures, randomly select the students to be tested from the master list (coordinate with the Registrar’s office) provided by the school. RDT team orients the student on the process of drug testing and other frequently asked topics. The students shall then be requested to accomplish a drug testing form. Students who are prepared to give urine specimens shall approach the analyst table and select a specimen bottle. To safeguard the integrity of the urine sample, the student will be accompanied by a specimen collector of the same gender to the collection site. The students will be asked thoroughly wash and dry hands empty pockets and remove outer garments if any. A body search may also be done if necessary. Observed collection of urine will then be done. Students submit urine to specimen collector who then examines, in his/her presence, if urine collected can be accepted for testing. Student and specimen collector goes back to the analyst table.

The student affixes his/her signature, date and time of collection on the sealing tape. The specimen collector seals the specimen bottle in the presence of the students. The specimen collector and student affix final signatures in the drug testing form attesting to the validity of the procedures done.

Then proceed to the third and last phase which is still the specimen collection phase. The analyst prepares the specimen for analysis in an accredited facility. Results will be forwarded to CHED who will coordinate with the school drug testing coordinator. If confirm positive, the laboratory shall forward a sealed copy to CHED to ensure confidentiality. The school drug testing coordinator shall personally inform the parent and the student about the result and appropriate intervention. Mae Agot Delarmente