A Lasallian having a positive drug test result is a rare occurrence—with only one to two cases of positive drug test results occurring in the past five years of Dr. Laarni Roque’s stay as the Health Services Office (HSO) director. The drug testing program has been mandated since AY 2016-2017 under the University’s anti-drug use and abuse program, “Lasallian’s Fight Against Drugs.”
Before participating in the drug test, students are required to sign a consent form, which states that the aim of the screening is to gain insights into the prevalence of drug use among Lasallians. Moreover, it emphasizes that drug test results are not to be used in disciplinary proceedings. Instead, it acts as a reference when carrying out “appropriate interventions” for those who test positive.
Despite the explicit indications present in the consent form, students remain blindsided on what could happen in the event of a positive drug test result. Thus, Roque explains and clarifies to The LaSallian what exact interventions are put into action on a positive result.
Counselling, not punishment
Students who obtain positive test results from the initial test undergo a confirmatory test. If confirmed, the student and their parents or guardian are notified of the result. A committee composed of representatives from the HSO, the Office of Student Affairs, deans of certain colleges, and the University’s administration will then handle the case, identifying appropriate courses of action for further intervention.
Roque clarified that the Student Disciplinary Formation Office is not involved when a drug test result is positive, unless a student has other violations under the student handbook. Instead, the director underscores the importance of counselling and help rather than punishment. “We counsel, and we advise [‘yung] mismong student, and even the parents. It’s not about [the fact that] magkakaroon siya ng kaso.”
(We counsel, and we advise the student themself, and even the parents. It’s not about [the fact that] they’ll have a case.)
Assuringly, Roque does not recall an instance where a Lasallian has repeatedly tested positive despite intervention. Ultimately, the program serves as a reminder to its constituents and raises awareness of the gravity of drug use.
Safeguarding student information
The HSO director assures that the process is dealt with pure confidentiality and students will remain protected despite a Department of Health-accredited team outside the University conducting the test. Furthermore, the HSO does not initiate another round of random drug testing for the student body outside of the annual test.
To guarantee the protection of the students’ data, provider contracts are first reviewed by the University and a data privacy officer. If the HSO’s portion in a contract is lacking, the data privacy officer would advise appropriate changes. Measures when looking for a provider include the external company’s data handling practices and terms for consent. If a complaint arises regarding a breach of confidentiality, Roque assures that proper and appropriate steps take place aside from terminating the contract with the provider.
These measures reinforce that the goal of the drug testing is to support the students who test positive, not to condemn them, and maintain the Lasallian community’s wellness and awareness against drug use.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s January 2026 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSJan2026.
One reply on “Explainer: What happens when you test positive on the drug test? HSO emphasizes on counseling, not punishment”
Fascinating! Good journalism.