BULACAN- The provincial government of Bulacan, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, spearheaded the provincial launch of the MASA MASID program on November 22, 2016 as an answer to President Duterte's call to curb criminality brought about by the use of illegal drugs.

On September 27, 2016, the MASA MASID had its National Launching where it was defined as a barangay-based anti-criminality, anti-corruption, and anti-illegal drugs program which encourages the voluntary participation of the people by becoming watchdogs of the community.

In her opening message, DILG Regional Director Florida M. Dijan highlighted the importance of this occasion in strengthening the collaboration of the government and the people towards achieving peace and success.

"Ang mabuting pamamahala ay hindi dapat maging monopolyo ng mga lider-politiko. Ito ay produkto ng sama-samang pagkilos nating lahat. Sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtutulungan, mahaharap natin ang malaking kalaban natin sa pag-unlad - ang anomalya at droga," RD Dijan said.

Also present was DILG Undersecretary for Operations John R. Castriciones who encouraged everyone to be part of the MASA MASID program in order to achieve peace in the community.

"We need all the members of society to work hand in hand to fight the ill effects of illegal drugs," Usec. Castriciones said.

In the implementation of the Program, the MASA MASID team will be divided into three sub-groups which will focus on these three areas: Information-Education Campaign, Monitoring and Reporting, and Community-based rehabilitation.

The event also highlighted the Provincial Awarding of the 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance and the 16th Gawad Galing Barangay.