In time with its Regional Launching, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 (Caraga) calls for volunteers to be part of the DILG program dubbed as “MASA MASID”, which stands for Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga on October 24, 2016 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City.

           The MASA MASID Program is one of the new programs of the national government under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration which is lodged in DILG. It is a community-based program that encourage communities to take a proactive stance in the government’s fight for the prevention of corruption, illegal drugs and criminality. It is to encourage multi-sectoral partnership to intensify the spirit of volunteerism at the community level.

            Pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2016-116 dated September 2, 2016 setting forth the implementation of the MASA MASID Program, it provides for four (4) 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 revival of the spirit of volunteerism by creating a volunteer-friendly atmosphere for organizations that wishes to be partners for change.

            To volunteer, the interested applicant may visit the DILG website: www.dilg.gov.ph or local DILG Office (for queries) and fill-up the Registration Form.

         During the regional launching of MASA MASID, DILG 13 Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, CESO III encouraged the participants to be part of the solution in preventing corruption, illegal drugs and criminality in the community.

           “Everyone needs to be aware and vigilant in what is going on the community. MASA MASID is the key so that we can have our urgent response against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality”, said Director Famacion.

           The regional launching was concluded with a recital and signing of the MASA MASID Pledge of Commitment led by DILG 13 Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, CESO III. Among those that participated are the  Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), local government units (LGUs), Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte (MRRD) – MASA MASID Volunteers led by its MASA MASID Regional Coordinator – Mr. Esperidion A. Amarillo, students and head of local resource institutes (LRIs) and national government agencies (NGAs). (Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa, LGOO V, DILG 13)