Sultan Sa Barongis pursues MASA MASID

LAUNCHING --- The local government of Sultan Sa Barongis led by Mayor Ramdatu Angas (left) sworn in last April 19 the  municipal government and barangay officials as they affirm support to the implementation of the national leadership program MASA MASID. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao ---The local government of Sultan SaBarongis in Maguindanao launched last April 19 the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) initiative program, the “MamamayangAyaw sa Anomalya, MamamayangAyaw saIlegalnaDroga” or MASA MASID.

The municipal government, together with the DILG in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),held the organization and orientation of MASA MASID program in this town before barangay officials and police and Army personnel at the municipal gymnasium.

Mayor RamdatuAngas said that since the program is aimed at encouraging communities to take a pro-active stance in the government’s fight against corruption and illegal drugs, he is desirous for its full implementation in his town.

“We are doing this to protect the welfare of the people in our 12 barangays ---Angkayamat, Barurao, Bulod, Darampua, Gadungan, Kulambog, Langgapanan, Masulot, Papakan,Tugal, Tukanakuden, and Paldong,” he said.

Angas is elated to make the residents realize that MASA MASID intends to unite different organizations in creating safer and drug-free communities.

“This program could bring together barangay officials, religious groups, and other non-government organizations with the common goal to establish good governance,” he said.

Edgardo Padolina, MASA MASID coordinator of the DILG-ARMM, cited the importance of multi-sectoral linkages in the grassroots to prevent the spread of illegal drugs and other criminalities.

“The local government could not do this alone, so we call on the sincere cooperation of barangay officials and residents as we fight criminalities and illegal drug activities,” Padolina said.

Marlon Santos, PDEA representative, encouraged local leaders andpopulace in the advocacy of the national leadership.

“You may extend help by reporting any irregularity in your respective areas. Let us be vigilant,” Santos said.

The MASA MASID mobilizes and convergesUgnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) and Barangay Action Teams (BATs) with members from community-based  civil society  and non-government organizations.

The Barangay Peace and Order Council is tasked to advocate crime prevention, peace and order, security, and in enhancing transparency and accountability in the barangay.

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 establish 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 sectors.

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

Capt. Dexter Mabenta of the 40th Infantry Battalion said the endeavor is very helpful as they extend their endeavors of safeguarding Sultan SaBarongis.

“It is not the sole responsibility of the barangay officials. The constituents play a major role, too,for the success of the program. It should be a collaborative effort,” Mabenta said.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)