In preparation for Undas 2025, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), conducted a surprise drug testing for its regular and contract-of-service personnel.
The unannounced testing was held from October 20 to 21 at the PPA Head Office in Port Area, Manila, as part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to maintain a “drug-free workplace.”
“Makakaasa po ang ating mga kababayan na top priority ng PPA ang kaligtasan at kaayusan sa ating mga pantalan at mga pasahero. Kasama na po dito ang pagtitiyak na drug-free workplace ang PPA,” said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago in a statement released on Thursday, October 23.
Santiago also emphasized that the PPA maintains a zero-tolerance policy against drug use among its employees.
“We will take immediate action against personnel who test positive, as we have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use within our workforce,” Santiago stated. “A drug-free workplace ensures the safety not only of our employees but also of the millions of passengers, port users, and partners who rely on our operations.”
According to the PPA, around 770 employees underwent the testing — an initiative that has been implemented since 2016 in support of the government’s national anti-drug campaign.
Through this continuing effort, the PPA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all operations at the country’s ports remain safe, orderly, and drug-free, especially during the busy Undas season.