A livelihood program of a Church-based institution in the Philippine province of Nueva Ecija has been helping drug dependents on their road to recovery through farming.
“Ako Ang Saklay” is a community-based rehabilitation center of the Claretian congregation that helps drug users with an array of programs, including farming, to help them in their recovery process.
This time of year, the “reformists” harvest melons that are brought to a church in Manila and sold to churchgoers who attend the early morning Christmas Masses.
The project has been made possible through the partnership of Claretian missionary priest Arnold Abelardo, who runs the center, and Oblates priest Eduardo Vasquez, who initiated programs in the national capital to help drug dependents and their families. (Photos supplied by Father Arnold Abelardo, CMF)
