The Health Education Promotion Unit (HEPU), together with the Tobacco Cessation Program Coordinator (TCPC) and the Laboratory Team of the Office of the City Health Officer, led by City Health Officer II Dr. Jonathan Porto Luseco, conducted a drug symposium and random drug testing for 345 inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Wednesday.

The activity, which was held at the male and female dormitories of the BJMP, was spearheaded by Jail Superintendent Ronald Badio and Jail Senior Inspector Fernita Endrenal. It aimed to educate the inmates on the ill effects of substance abuse and to prevent them from using illegal drugs.

The drug symposium covered topics such as the legal implications of drug use, the health risks of drug abuse, and the available rehabilitation programs for drug dependents. The random drug testing, on the other hand, followed the guidelines issued by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

The results of the drug testing will be kept confidential and will not be used as grounds for any disciplinary action or legal prosecution. Instead, they will be used to identify the level of drug dependency of the inmates and to refer them to appropriate interventions.

HEPU expressed its gratitude to the city officials of General Trias, led by Mayor Jon-Jon Ferrer, Congressman Ony Ferrer, Vice-Mayor Jonas Porto Labuguen, and the members of the City Council, for their continuous support to the health programs of the city.

HEPU also urged the public to join the campaign against drug abuse and to promote a healthy and safe lifestyle for all.