Manila, Philippines, Oct 25, 2016 / 02:02 am
As the Philippines' controversial drug war rages on, Catholic parishes are working with local government to provide drug rehab and prevention centers to meet the needs of a growing number of recovering addicts.
"Sanlakbay program is the response of the Catholic Church to the rising concern in handling the influx of thousands of drug surrenderees resulting from the present administration's war on illegal drugs," read an Oct. 23 announcement from the Archdiocese of Manila.
"The program strengthens the preventive phase of Restorative Justice Ministry of Caritas Manila aimed at helping in the healing, rehabilitation and restoration of the drugs surrenderers and their families through spiritual formation, counseling, livelihood projects and skills formation training as well as arts and cultural program and sports activities for holistic development."
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, archbishop of Manila, officially launched the "Sanlakbay para sa Pagbabagong buhay" program on Oct. 23 at the Manila Cathedral, where he encouraged parishioners to volunteer at the parochial rehab centers in an effort "to stop the spread of illegal drugs, as well as corruption and criminality."