Pubdate: Mon, 19 Jan 2009
Source: Sunstar Bacolod (Philippines)
Copyright: 2009sSunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1718
Author: Jerson O. Coronica
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

MAYOR SUPPORTS DRUG TESTING AMONG STUDENTS

SILAY City Mayor Jose Montelibano said he is in favor  of the proposed
random drug testing to be conducted in  public and private school
students in the country.

In March, the education and health departments will  jointly conduct
random drug testing among students in  the public and private schools
nationwide.

"It is a good initiative and I do hope that it will be  a step in
encouraging our high school students to keep  away from drugs,"
Montelibano said.

He added students found using drugs will have the  choice to either
quit their bad habit or continue using  it and let go of their future.

Montelibano, however, said authorities should not limit  the tests on
shabu use. Rugby and marijuana should also  be considered in the
tests, he added.

"Rugby and marijuana use are very rampant especially in  rural areas
so these should also be taken seriously.  Both drugs are much
available and affordable than shabu  so students use them instead of
the costlier shabu," he  said.

Montelibano said everybody, not just students, should  stay away from
drugs. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake