La Union, Philippines – July 14, 2025

For the third time, SIFCare teamed up with the local Department of Justice Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) to bring a special program called RAMA (Responsive Acupuncture Medicinal Alternatives) to parolees and probationers across La Union. It was a day filled with healing and hope, as the clients of DOJ-PPA tried NADA Acupuncture Detoxification (Acudetox) and Meditation.

Life after legal challenges can be incredibly stressful and worrying. SIFCare saw this great need. Through their RAMA program, they offered these individuals a real way to find inner peace and learn to manage stress. The main part of the program included free acudetox sessions – a relaxing, gentle needle treatment – combined with guided and healing sound meditation. This taught participants practical ways to handle their daily stress and challenges.

Leading by example, Ma’am Corazon Dagdag, the respected Chief of the Parole and Probation Administrarion, was the first to receive the acudetox. Her act of trust immediately made everyone else feel comfortable, easing any worries about the needles. “We wanted our clients to feel safe and understand this was a real effort to support them,” Ma’am Corazon shared, her voice full of thanks. “Seeing their Chief go first truly opened their hearts to the experience.”

Four (4) staff members from the Parole and Probation Administration also benefited from the program! They too tried the NADA Acudetox and Meditation, experiencing the calming effects firsthand.

25 clients of DOJ-PPA from different towns across La Union shared their great joy and thanks for being recognized and given such a unique chance. Many talked about feeling a deep sense of relaxation during the acudetox, followed by the inner peace and calmness that meditation brought. “Nakakalma pareho yung acupuncture at meditation” (It was very calming, both the acudetox and meditation) said one person, a smile on his face. “Ang payapa ng pkiramdam, parang walang stress, kahit sandali lang” (It gave me a sense of peace, truly free from stress, even for just a moment). Another added, “Parang nabigyan kami ng importansya, yung pagkatao namin” (felt like someone finally saw us and cared about our well-being. We felt important).

This successful, and now third-time, teamwork between SIFCare and the DOJ-PPA shows how much good can come from using caring, holistic methods in rehabilitation programs. It sends a strong message: true healing goes beyond corrections. It includes the human need for compassion, emotional well-being, and a chance to rebuild one’s life on a foundation of inner peace.

This amazing effort in La Union is an example of how a touch of humanity, combined with time tested practices, can truly change lives for those hoping for a fresh start. It’s a reminder that everyone, no matter their past, deserves the chance to find calm in tough times.
We want to thank SIFCARE volunteers who provided the service for the clients of DOJ-PPA: Dixie Palmos (Certified Acupuncturist), Acupuncture Detoxification Specialists: Nitya Palmos, Bernadette Bermudez, Krsna dasi Aboy and Harry Capulong.
Please note: Due to privacy concerns for our DOJ-PPA clients, we are unable to share photos of the activity.