Question & AnswerQ&A (DEPED ORDER NO. 63, S. 2003)
The legal basis is Section 36 (c) of Article III of RA 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The random drug testing started in September 2003 as per DepEd Order No. 63, s. 2003.
Public and private secondary, tertiary/higher educational institutions, and vocational-technical schools are covered.
The Selection Board is tasked with the random sampling of students to be tested for drug use.
Regional Directors (RDs), Schools Division/City Superintendents (SDSs), and school heads are responsible for overseeing implementation.
The drug counselor provides guidance and counseling services to students found to be drug users.
The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) approved the general guidelines through Board Regulation No. 6 dated August 1, 2003.
The government is responsible for covering the costs of the drug tests.
The order emphasizes ensuring the confidentiality of test results as a requirement in the program's implementation.
Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Thelma G. Santos, Director III of the School Health and Nutrition Center, at the provided telephone numbers.