“We have always shown that we can do things more effectively if we are together. As we embark with a new journey, the ‘MASA MASID’ program, I hope that we show the same unity we’ve exhibited before. The MASA MASID heavily relies on community involvement to succeed rather rely on a top-down solution.”
This is part of the message of Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy as the Provincial Local Government Unit of Compostela Valley in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the “Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga” or ‘MASA MASID.’
Masa Masid is a community based program for the prevention of corruption, illegal drugs and criminality in Barangays which was launched on December 8, 2016 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Comval. The program aims to encourage communities to take a proactive stance in the government’s fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality.
Governor Uy added that “MASA MASID will harness the networks within our communities to solve the drug problem- from religious organizations who can conduct spiritual renewal sessions, from former drug users that can share their stories. More importantly, the program highlights the role of the family in the reformation of our drug dependents.”
Other top officials who attended are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) led by 1001ST Brigade Commander Col. Macairog S. Alberto duly represented by Col. Gilbert Saret and the Philippine National Police (PNP) led by PD PS/SUPT. Armando S. De Leon as well as the other local officials of the province led by Vice-Gov. Manuel Zamora, the municipal mayors led by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) President Comval chapter Hon. Roberto M. Yugo and barangay officials were also present during the celebration.
According to DILG Provincial Director Noel Duarte, “We are complaining that there are many anomalies in the government, corruption, criminality and addiction, but this time– all of that, we can all help through the MASA MASID program.”
“Ang pag sumpo sa anomalya, kriminalidad, kurapsyon ug druga dili lang taga gobyerno ang mohimo niana, but with this new program ang private sector specially sa Barangay level, NGOs and Civil Society organizations will help cooperate, or katabang sa taga gobyerno para masumpo kining tanan kay gusto man kaha ta ug pagbabago,” Duarte added.
MASA MASID is envisioned to unite different organizations in creating safer and drug-free communities in the country. Which brought together with the barangay officials and religious groups for programs on good governance and community development, MASA MASID stresses the importance of multi-sectoral linkages in communities in combatting the spread of illegal drugs, as well as corruption andcriminality.
Prov. Dir. De Leon also gives update on Oplan Double Barrel Alpha saying that they are tasked to accomplish or make account the remaining 5,500 supposed drugs users, pushers or dependents of the province.
De Leon added that “we have until December 31 to complete the accounting or to make them surrender. We already knocked on more than 3,000 houses and have 1,300 individuals surrender as of December 8, 2016. As regards to the pushers, we have arrested a total of 22, I hope that with the launching of MASA MASID, we can do that,” said De Leon.
Meanwhile, Gov. Uy also emphasized that “the core of MASA MASID is the story of ComVal. No one can say ‘I built this province’, or ‘I made this province become progressive.’ We built this together, we make things happen together. Let us show this spirit in the upcoming fight against illegal drugs.”
“We will reform our drug dependents together, we will not leave them, and we will work hard together,” he ended. (Rey M. Antibo, IDS Comval)
