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Drug war victims receive much-needed boost

Church charity in the Philippines helps families by setting them up in business
Drug war victims receive much-needed boost

Family members of a drug-related killing victim are taught how to operate an improvised coffee-roasting machine in a Manila suburb. (Photo by Mark Saludes)

Published: April 18, 2017 04:39 AM GMT
Updated: April 18, 2017 04:41 AM GMT

A church group in a suburb of Manila is starting a coffee-roasting business as an alternative source of livelihood for families of victims of drug-related killings.

"It's part of our rehabilitation effort for families who lost their bread winner," said Carmelite Father Gilbert Billena of the group Rise Up.

Father Billena said the project also aims to promote local coffee, especially those that come from tribal communities. 

Nardy Sabino of the Promotion of Church People's Response said his group will be conducting training workshops to teach the families how to run a business.

"We will be helping them until such time that they are equipped and have the capacity to finance it," said Sabino.

Rise Up has already provided a roasting machine and stove to start the program.

"We encourage people to purchase locally made products. This will also help the families to recover from the trauma," said Father Billena.

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