DSA LGU supports MASA MASID program

Municipal Administrator Mastura S. Tapa of Datu Saudi Ampatuan

COTABATO CITY --- The municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan (DSA) has placed its mechanism to strengthen the implementation of the community-based program for the prevention of corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality in the barangays --- the “Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga” or MASA MASID.

The municipal government together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) held the organization and orientation of MASA MASID program before barangay officials and police and army personnel at the municipal compound last February 1.

Momina Piang Guialudin, Municipal Local Government Operations officer of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, said the program is aimed at encouraging communities in the town to take a pro-active stance in the government’s fight against corruption and illegal drugs.

“MASA MASID is intended to unite different organizations in creating safer and drug-free communities in the country. Through this program, we bring together barangay officials, religious groups, and other non-government organizations for programs on good governance and community development,” she said.

Municipal Administrator Mastura S. Tapa said the MASA MASID emphasizes the importance of multi-sectoral linkages in communities in combatting the spread of illegal drugs and criminality.

“We are doing this in a bid to empower our communities and fortify people’s participation in the war against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality through the spirit of volunteerism,” said Tapa.

Mayor Bai Anida U. Dimaukom expressed her willingness in supporting the newest advocacy of the national leadership.

“We strongly support the DILG and our government so we can preserve and protect our eight barangays --- Dapiawan, Elian, Gawang, Kabengi, Kitango, Kitapok, Madia, and Salbu --- from all forms of criminality,” said Mayor Dimaukom.

Vice-Mayor Bailon Dimaukom has also  encouraged the local populace in every barangay to help report any irregularity from the ground.

“Our people should be more vigilant this time. We believe that peace and order is a shared responsibility of all of us”, said Vice-Mayor Dimaukom.

The MASA MASID shall mobilize and converge the Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) and Barangay Action Teams (BATs) with the civil society organizations and non-government organizations  of barangay-based institutions.

“We task the Barangay Peace and Order Council to advocate crime prevention, peace and order, security, and in enhancing transparency and accountability in the barangay,” said Liga Ng Mga Barangay president Zaiton U. Dimaukom.

The MASA MASID is designed to enhance the conduct of advocacy and education campaigns, information gathering, and reporting to reduce the supply and demand of illegal drugs and the pursuit of community-based rehabilitation program to address the need for interventions of the surrendering drug personalities.

With such strategy, the BLGUs can get immediate action from the people in the barangays since the program intends to heighten community involvement and mobilizing the support of the stakeholders, volunteers, civic organization, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.

The Barangay MASA MASID teams will be composed of representatives of faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, the Barangay Peace and Order Council,  and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

In a separate interview, DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno said the program is expected to bring together members of the community against illegal drugs.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2016-116, the program has four main thrusts: information and education campaign in communities for government programs against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality; creation of a reporting mechanism on illegal drugs-related activities; formulation of community-based rehabilitation programs; and revive the spirit of volunteerism by creating a volunteer-friendly atmosphere for organizations that wish to be partners for change.

The circular also explains that existing UBAS Technical Working Groups in LGUs shall be expanded and shall be chaired by a city or municipal local government operations officer, with representatives from a faith-based group, Liga ng Mga Barangay, PNP, and City or Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Col. Warlito Limet, commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion under the Mechanized Infantry Division, said the move of the department is timely and relevant since the locality has been suffering long-time recurring armed conflicts.

“The role of the barangay officials is significant on the success of the campaign. The constituents play a major role, too. It should be a collaborative effort,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)