_{by Almar E. Villanueva}

 

^{DILG IX Regional Director Paisal Abutazil highlights the regional and community facilitators’ roles in the MASA MASID Program towards the end of the orientation.}

John Paul G. Padonia of the Project Management Office, DILG Central Office, discussed the details of the said program, specifying the roles and responsibilities of the facilitators in its implementation.

Padonia emphasized that the promise of the government to eradicate illegal drugs, corruption and criminality is no longer just a promise but a commitment. This commitment is being carried out through community participation, hence, the MASA MASID program was launched on November 10, 2016 in Zamboanga City.

DILG-IX Assistant Regional Director Pedro G. Cuevas, Jr. welcomed the participants with high hopes that the 2022 target –– that affected barangays with drug, crime and corruption problems will be reduced by more than 50% –– will be met.

On the other hand, DILG-IX Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil left a serious note for the facilitators to ponder on. “The President is very sincere in his advocacy against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.” He then added, “We don’t want to destroy that.”

Director Abutazil underscored that the facilitators will help the government in building trust at the community level in the enforcement of the MASA MASID program.

Participants exchange ideas with their respective Regional and Provincial Focal Persons during the workshop.The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted an orientation for the 20 regional and community facilitators of the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASA MASID) program on June 13, 2017 at the Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City.

“Duterte’s advocacy will also be your advocacy,” he added. He also highlighted the need for the facilitators and volunteers to establish their credibility in advocating for the President.

MASA MASID, a DILG-initiated program, is a barangay-based anti-criminality, anti-corruption, and anti-illegal drugs program which encourages multi-sectoral partnership to intensify the spirit of volunteerism at the community level.

This whole-day orientation was also graced by the presence of DILG IX Provincial and City Directors, and the respective regional and provincial focal persons for MASA MASID.