PDEA declares PMO Surigao as drug-free workplace
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officially declared the Port Management of Surigao as the first drug-free workplace, among the many offices under the Philippine Ports Authority.
The announcement came during a modest ceremony on August 16, 2023 at the PMO Surigao Administrative Building in Surigao City. The accolade was given to PMO Surigao as a result of its exemplary efforts in implementing a comprehensive drug-free workplace program as well as the conduct of authorized drug testing.
The awarding of a plaque of commendation by PDEA Caraga to PMO Surigao, was witnessed by Atty. Mark Olyver T. Marco, head of the Internal Security Affairs Staff of the Office of the PPA General Manager.
PMO Surigao Acting Port Manager Froilan Caturla emphasized the paramount importance of cultivating an environment entirely devoid of the perils of substance abuse. He also extended his gratitude to the unwavering commitment and steadfast collaboration of PMO Surigao personnel, whose relentless dedication played a pivotal role in elevating their workplace into a drug-free haven.
On his part, PDEA Caraga Provincial Head Wenifredo Alagabia Jr., lauded the joint efforts of PMO Surigao and the PPA's Port Police Department led by its manager, Senior Superintendent Genaro P. Mancio Jr.
"These endeavors significantly contributed to fostering environments that are resistant to the scourge of illicit substances, aligning seamlessly with PDEA's resolute advocacy." Alagabia said.
The declaration of PMO Surigao as a drug-free workplace stood as a testament to the potency of concerted efforts, underlining the profound impact that collaborative endeavors could create safer, healthier workspaces.
This pioneering accomplishment achieved by PMO Surigao not only set an exemplary standard for other offices but also underscored the resounding success that could be achieved through collective determination.
The Port Management Office of Surigao (PMO Surigao) officially came to exist on August 1, 1977 when the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) established its port management unit in Surigao City as it took over port operations, maintenance and related functions from the Bureau of Customs and from the then Bureau of Public Works.
The PMO has jurisdiction over various ports in the provinces of Surigao Del Norte (including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands), Surigao del Sur and the Province of Dinagat Islands. Passengers and cargoes from Southern Leyte and even Agusan Del Sur and Norte are handled in Surigao, thereby making it the premier port in the Caraga region.
PMO Surigao's success is built on its people for they thrive as a team, driven by the singular motivation to give the best service to their stakeholders. That is why the PMO continues to develop the skills and knowledge of its eighty-eight (88) organic human resource personell to various training courses on safety and healthy environment, management, operation, and maintenance. (PMO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
