TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 11 (PNA) -– The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office here is preparing for the launch of a community-based anti-criminality, anti-corruption, and anti-illegal drugs program.

Orientation for local officials is ongoing in the region for this program dubbed as Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (Masa Masid). It will be launched before the year ends.

The project is still undergoing some assessment and evaluation before its formal launching, according to Myles Colasito, DILG regional information officer. The department is on the stage of “systematically planning the strategies” for the full implementation of the program.

“Our regional director said that we will launch a program that is well-thought out, where every step is clear and determined,” Colasito told PNA.

Several meetings will be held in DILG field offices this week to iron out plans and tackle issues.

The agency has been promoting the program, endorsing it to local government units, and collaborating with the media in the region to assist them in the awareness drive.

Media intervention, according to DILG Regional Director Marivel Sacendoncillo, is of utmost importance since the program needs volunteers from faith-based organizations and the community.

“The media would play a vital role in the mobilization of this project,” she added.

Masa Masid, as elaborated under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2016-116, is a community-based initiative that aims to engage volunteers in the fight against criminality, corruption, and illegal drugs. (PNA)