LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Various stakeholders at the provincial and municipal level pledged their support to the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya – Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASA- MASID) program of the Department of Interior and Local Government in a launching activity held at the Provincial Capitol last week.
MASA MASID is a barangay-based anti-criminality, anti-corruption, and anti-illegal drugs program that encourages multi-sectoral partnership which intensifies the spirit of volunteerism at the community level.
As provided in DILG Memorandum Circular 2016-116, the program has four main priorities namely information and education campaign in communities for government programs against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality; creation of a reporting mechanism on illegal drug-related activities; formulation of community-based rehabilitation programs; and revival of the spirit of volunteerism by creating a volunteer-friendly atmosphere for organizations that wish to be partners for change.
The program is implemented through a MASA MASID Team who may engage activities such as advocacy and education campaign, information gathering and reporting and community-based rehabilitation program.
During the launching, Police Provincial Office Acting Director Florante Camuyot presented the peace and order situation in the province including updates on the war against illegal drugs. To date, there are already a total of 2,290 surrenderers provincewide.
There is already a set of guidelines in the processing of drug surrenderers as presented by the DILG Provincial Director Rufina Fegcan.
Governor Crescencio Pacalso lauded the program which heightens community involvement and mobilizes the support of local stakeholders, volunteers, civic organizations, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.
Provincial officials led by Pacalso and Vice Governor Florence Tingbaoen, members of the provincial board, municipal mayors, liga ng barangay, department heads including concerned government line agencies forged their signature expressing their support in the tarpaulin printed with pledge of commitment.
Among them are Atok Mayor Peter Alos, Bakun Mayor Fausto Labinio, Bokod Mayor Thomas Wales Jr, Buguias Mayor Ruben Tinda-an, Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan, Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin, Mankayan Mayor Materno Luspian, Sablan Mayor Arthur Baldo, Tuba Mayor Ignacio Rivera, and Tublay Mayor Armando Lauro.
DILG is encouraging those who would voluntarily like to join the cause and those not presently involved in illegal drugs and other criminal activities by visiting their office or local church./JDP/SCA-PIA-CAR, Benguet
