BAGUIO CITY – ‘Help us in making a healthy and drug-free transport sector in the City of Baguio,’.

This was the appeal of  Public Transport Affairs Office (PTAO-Cordillera) and 1-UTAK Northern Luzon head Perfecto ‘Jun’ Itliong to the leaders and members of various transport organization in a dialogue   last week.

Itliong called on   members of the  transport  sector  to  support to the voluntary and free drug testing  the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-CAR), in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and in coordination with the PTAO,  is  planning to conduct  next month.

At present drivers are only submitted for a drug testing every three years when they  renew their driver’s license.        

PDEA Regional Director P/CInsp Edgar Apalla also  called  on the participants support in cleansing the public  transport sector ranks of illegal drug use. ‘Magtulong-tulong tayo ng sa gayon ay ma-minimize din natin ang road accidents  due to the influence of illegal drugs,’ he  said.

Apalla  appealed  to the public transport drivers and operators, including vegetable truck owners/dealers, to support their program and submit their self or their drivers for the voluntary drug testing.

He  also warned  that once  a  public transport vehicle is   caught  involved in the conveyance of illegal drugs, under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act it can be impounded which may result to  loss in revenue  depending on how many days it will be  impounded.

The PDEA, DOH and PTAO  are  supportive of the  call for the  issuance  of an administrative order  from Mayor Mauricio Domogan  for a mandatory drug testing for Public Transport drivers in Baguio City.

Meanwhile,  Itliong reminded the participants about the various ordinances in the city, such as the anti-littering, anti-jaywalking, anti-spitting and the enhanced anti-smoking ordinances.

He also reiterated    cleaning and re-painting their respective transport terminals and to post a ‘non-smoking sign’ in the terminals for the benefits of the riding public.

For a healthier transport sector, Itliong also announced  that the City Health Services Office  headed by Dr. Florence Reyes is offering free-respiratory consultation/examination and medication.  ‘For your own health and for the riding public, you can go for a free-sputum check-up at the city HSO. Just look for Dr. Donna Tubera or Ms. Guanzon’.

 The consultation/dialogue was convened  by the PTAO, in partnership with PDEA-CAR and the City Government of Baguio and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) . **Lito Dar/PIA