Pubdate: Sun, 17 Aug 2003 Source: Daily Tribune, The (Philippines) Copyright: 2003 The Tribune Publishing Co., Inc. Contact: http://www.tribune.net.ph/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2973 Author: Marie A. Surbano MORE YOUNG WORKERS USE PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE Young workers using prohibited drugs are increasing. This was the result of the study conducted by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) concerning the prevalence of drug use among the youth or those within their productive age. Alex Aguilar, spokesman of TUCP, an organized labor group, explained that previously the problem among young workers was alcohol abuse, but this is superseded now by drug addiction. "Mostly, the reason they raised for being into drugs and alcohol use are peer pressure, while some are just curious, but eventually they can no longer resist it and they become hooked on it," Aguilar said. Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, expressing alarm on the case, admitted that prevalence of drug and alcohol use in the workplace is now considered a serious concern among employers in the country. "The situation is very distressing," she said in an earlier interview. Records indicate that two out of 100 or 33 per cent of the estimated 1.7 million drug dependents are workers. Data from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) also show that majority of the drug dependents are workers 18 to 35 years of age and are mostly young professionals. Sto. Tomas added that other data disclose that 66 per cent of poisoning admissions in government hospitals are related to alcohol use. According to the labor chief, the problem of drug and alcohol abuse has contributed to high absenteeism, low quality of products and frequent accidents resulting in injuries and even death. "Rampant alcohol and substance abuse in the workplace adversely affects the quality and efficiency of work and consequently diminishes workers' productivity," Sto. Tomas pointed out. To curb the growing drug and alcohol abuse, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), together with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and TUCP, two years ago forged an agreement to help prevent the problem from escalating. Under the memorandum of agreement, DoLE, TUCP and ECOP formulated measures and programs that would detect and control alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace. TUCP also developed policies and was assigned to closely monitor the alcohol and illegal drug abuse prevention programs in the workplace. ECOP, on the other hand, agreed to provide the necessary resources for the implementation of the anti-drug and alcohol abuse programs, while TUCP will promote the programs in the worksite. At present, employers and workers are still implementing the policies and programs to ensure that young workers will be kept away from drugs and alcohol use. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens