At least 21 local coffee businesses here have committed to participate in the Hanging Coffee project where a customer pays for two orders, giving the other for free to those who need a drink.

Maribel Sumanoy, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) focal person for the coffee industry in Negros Oriental, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that Café Estacion is the first establishment to give free cups.

“Soon after the commitment signing last Friday, Café Estacion immediately put up a sign board for the Hanging Coffee project where one person orders one coffee but pays for two,” Sumanoy said.

“This project is patterned after similar endeavors overseas where a little kindness goes a long way by giving free coffee to those who cannot afford it or those who need it,” she added.

The project was launched during the opening ceremony of the Dumaguete Coffee Festival Y2 at a local mall here on July 19.

Sumanoy said the strategy not only promotes solidarity but also helps rake in more sales for coffee businesses. (PNA)