LEGAZPI CITY — The Police Regional Office-Region 5 (PRO-¥5) is enhancing its campaign against illegal drugs through a project dubbed “Resistance Education Against Drugs for the Youth” or READY.

Major Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesman, in an interview on Monday, said READY aims to institutionalize a standard preventive information and education program of the PNP to protect the youth from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs.

Project READY was conceptualized based on the PNP Command Memorandum Circular 41-2016, signed and approved by then PNP chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa.

“With the marching orders of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, we have intensified our efforts to eradicate illegal drugs,” she said.

Project READY, according to the PRO5 official, will cater to high school students and out-of-school youths in the communities. The project aims not only to educate them about the ruinous effects of illegal drugs but also inculcate in them leadership values and a sense of social responsibility.

Calubaquib said the police will endeavor to develop “READY Officers” from among their qualified personnel who will serve as lecturers and facilitators of the program.

“We conducted five-day training of Police Community Relations personnel to capacitate them in bringing our program closer with the community most especially the youth,” she added.