The Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) has reaffirmed its commitment to a safe and healthy academic environment after a university-wide drug testing program for employees yielded negative results.
Per the CHMSU Drug Test Committee, 749 employees across four campuses underwent laboratory screening in October, and all tested negative for illegal drug use.
The breakdown included 462 employees from the Talisay campus, 112 from Binalbagan, 92 from Alijis, and 83 from the Fortune Towne campus in Bacolod City.
Out of the university’s 766 employees, the majority participated in the testing, which was conducted Oct. 13-15 in Talisay, Oct. 16 in Binalbagan, Oct. 17 in Alijis, and Oct. 20 in Fortune Towne.
The initiative was overseen by vice president for Administration and Finance Rosalinda Tuvilla, supervising administrative officer Sharon Juance, legal officer Ricci Siason, Human Resources director Razel Mae Detablan, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management director Rino del Castillo.
The testing was facilitated by the Bacolod Diagnostic Center.
In preparation for the screenings, the Philippine National Police in Talisay City and Bacolod City organized separate anti-drug symposiums at the Talisay and Fortune Towne campuses, underscoring the broader effort to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention, the CHMSU said in a press release Dec. 2.
University officials emphasized that the program reflects CHMSU’s renewed pledge to maintain a drug-free institution, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 or Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
This initiative also stands as a continued show of support for the national government’s programs against illegal drug abuse, and is in accordance with Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 13, series of 2017, which outlines the guidelines for mandatory random drug testing among public officials and employees.
By institutionalizing regular testing and awareness campaigns, CHMSU positions itself not only as a center of learning but also as a model for community responsibility and public health advocacy, the press release added. ||
