Partnership for a Drug-Free Workplace. DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. (left) and Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer Pepot Miñana share thoughts during the BIDA Program launch for the private sector held recently at the Richmonde Hotel in Eastwood, Quezon City, Philippines

MANILA, Philippines. June 27, 2023 – The Jollibee Group recently signed a memorandum of undertaking (MOU) with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to support the agency’s Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA program, an intensified and more holistic campaign against illegal drugs.

The BIDA program is DILG’s medium to long-term approach in the national campaign against illegal drugs, and focuses on prevention and health promotion, law enforcement, as well as penology, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The DILG has called for the active support of partner national government agencies, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector in advocating for drug supply and demand reduction.

Under the MOU, the Jollibee Group, along with other private companies and organizations, will help boost the implementation of a drug-free workplace within the BIDA program framework.

“We are one with the government in the fight against illegal drugs and we laud the DILG for a holistic anti-drug war framework anchored on multi-sectoral partnership and collaboration,” said Pepot Miñana, Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer. “We in the Jollibee Group are committed to promoting a drug-free environment in our worksites and contributing to the success of the nationwide BIDA program.”

Industry Cooperation. Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer Pepot Miñana (top left) signs the Memorandum of Agreement for DILG’s BIDA Program, along with several other representatives of the country’s top corporations.

A joyful, drug-free workplace

The Jollibee Group has an existing Drug-Free Workplace Policy that covers drug testing, screening, and rehabilitation. The drug testing, which is free of charge to employees, complies with the procedure for Drug-Testing under DOLE Department Order No. 53, s. 2003 or the Guidelines for the Implementation of a Drug-Free Workplace Policies and Programs for the Private Sector. This helps ensure a healthy workforce that provides joyful experiences to consumers in a drug-free store.

The Jollibee Group also has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available for employees and their dependents who may need counseling services through trained experts. EAP services are free of charge and are treated with utmost confidentiality. The company also has a referral system for employees needing treatment and rehabilitation to centers accredited by the Department of Health (DOH).

Crucial Role of Human Resources Team. Miñana introduces DILG Secretary Abalos Jr. to Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head, Human Resources Philippines (2nd from L). Angeles and her HR team will lead the intensified efforts to ensure employee awareness against prohibited drugs and a drug-free work environment in the Jollibee Group.

To help raise awareness on dangerous drugs among employees, the Drug-Free Workplace Policy orientation is mandatory for the onboarding of newly hired employees. Health bulletins are sent through email and a fact sheet is made available on the company’s Human Resource platform. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committee are also set-up per work site and store establishment.

“We are committed to intensifying our efforts to increase our employees’ level of awareness and understanding on prohibited drugs by equipping them with the necessary information and support,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head, Human Resources Philippines. “This is our way to contribute to DILG’s BIDA Program and to promote a drug-free work environment for all our teams and customers.”

Commitment to Drug-Free Workplace. Jollibee Group delegation during the Private Partnership Launch of DILG’s BIDA Program (L to R): Ruth Angeles, VP and Head of HR Philippines; Barry Barrientos, Director for Corporate Communications; Steve Piczon, AVP for Government Affairs; and Pepot Miñana, Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer.