Change should start with the government! 

Adherent with the communities’ and the local government's common goal of making Valenzuela City a drug-free sanctuary, the City Government of Valenzuela held a two-day simultaneous mandatory drug test for its over 7,000 employees and staff at Valenzuela City Hall and City External Services Office (CESO) Action Center, September 10. 

Facilitated by Valenzuela Anti-Drug Abuse Office (VADAO) Action Officer Councilor Atty. Bimbo Dela Cruz, the city government believes that its local government staff and city officials should set an example in making government offices such as the City Hall a drug-free workplace. 

Mayor WES Gatchalian alongside the City Councilors led the mandatory drug testing, followed by the city hall employees across all departments. During the first day of the testing, around 3,500 employees have already been tested using urine samples. 

Conversely, the local government keeps its feet in outlining initiatives that address issues and problems pertaining to illegal narcotics. Although illegal drugs are not rampant in Valenzuela City and the data obtained by the authorities regarding drugs is not that ballooning, the city government ensures that every community in the city is safe and drug-free. In this regard, the city established a state-of-the-art drug rehabilitation center—Balai Banyuhay, which was derived from the word Banyuhay (metamorphosis), short terminology for Bagong Anyo ng Buhay. It was an instituted in-house rehab facility that aims to transform the lives of the Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) and give them fresh hope to turn their lives around and be utilitarian beings. Aside from the said rehabilitation program, the city also provides them livelihood training that they could use as they reintegrated to their respective communities once released from the facility.

The result from the conducted procedure will be released after three to four weeks. On the other hand, although treated confidentially, anyone who has undergone the drug test that’ll be proven to be under the influence of illegal drugs will face sanctions, might be endorsed to the city's anti-drug task force, or might be dismissed from their office post. 

Valenzuela City will carry on with its peace and order initiatives including the intensive campaign against the use of illegal drugs, making sure that the city continues to be a more liveable place for all the Pamilyang Valenzuelano. Furthermore, the city anchors its high hopes that communities across its jurisdiction will be transformed into a community free from illegal narcotics.

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