‘Murang Bigas’ reaches Camarines Sur; first-ever chiropractic mission held

The Murang Bigas Program, a joint initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Food Authority (NFA), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, reached the province and made its initial rollout on March 1, 2025 at San Vicente, Milaor, making rice available at just P33.00 per kilogram or P1, 650 per sack.

Through the National Government’s Food Security Emergency Program, the initiative aims to promote food security and economic relief for all Camarinenses by expanding its reach and ensuring that every household has access to affordable yet quality rice.

Nikkon Garcillanosa, a 39-year-old resident of Sto. Domingo, Bombon, expressed his gratitude for the program, highlighting its significant impact on his household budget. “Salamat po sa DA at NFA sa Murang Bigas Program. Malaking tipid po ito sa amin dahil sa murang presyo ng bigas. Ang matitipid po namin ay magagamit na sa ibang pangangailangan, gaya ng pambili ng ulam,” he shared.

Garcillanosa purchased 10 kilos of rice amounting to P330.00, which is way cheaper compared to other rice varieties that he bought in the market. According to him, the money that he saved will be allocated to their other expenses at home.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to public welfare, the Provincial Government has reinforced the program by providing additional support services such as free health check-ups with free medicines and vitamins, as well as clean and potable water, further promoting health and strengthening community resilience. These essential services aim to provide holistic assistance to families, addressing both their nutritional and healthcare needs.

By making staple goods accessible and by prioritizing community health, the Provincial Government remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the lives of its people. This initiative underscores the strong collaboration between national and local agencies in addressing economic challenges and fostering a more resilient community.

The Murang Bigas Program will continue to roll out across the province, reaching more towns to bring affordable rice to families in need. This sustained effort ensures that even the most remote communities’ benefit from this vital initiative, providing much-needed relief to households struggling with rising food costs.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through the efforts of Governor Luigi Villafuerte, in partnership with the Philippine Chiropractic Community Health Project, held the first-ever Ka Fuerte Chiropractic Health Mission on March 5-6, 2025, at Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex in Cadlan, Pili.

Hundreds of people flocked to the two-day mission in hopes of availing the free chiropractic treatment which remains unavailable in the province.

“Dakulang katabangan po an arog kaining programa na madara digdi sa CamSur. Natawanan an gabos nin pagkakataon na mapahiling an makukulog ninda sa hawak,” shared Arnel Ortega Jr., one of the beneficiaries who availed of the free chiropractic treatment. “Thank you very much po sa gabos na chiropractors na nag-assist samo. Sa dikit na oras, naging maayos po an pagmati ko,” he thanked, now relieved of the neck pain he’s been enduring in the last 4 days.

The chiropractic health mission aims to provide accessible chiropractic care to people in need, especially those who have no access to such treatment. The treatment offers several benefits, including pain relief from conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. It can also improve mobility and flexibility, enhance posture, and promote better overall body function.

Ariane Suzette Villamer, a nurse from the Provincial Health Office and one of the assisting nurses during the mission, seized the opportunity to receive free chiropractic treatment. Diagnosed with scoliosis in 2006, she had endured persistent back pain, especially in cold weather and during prolonged sitting or standing. After her chiropractic session, Villamer felt immediate relief, for which she expressed profound gratitude.

The group of licensed chiropractors leading the health mission are from the International Medical University based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Addressing the misconception about chiropractic treatment, Assistant Project Director Marie-Paul B. De Luna PhD, MNSA, of Camara Institute for Chiropractic Sciences, encourages everyone to fight these misconceptions with knowledge and information readily available online. She emphasized that chiropractors are licensed medical professionals who have undergone rigorous training, completing 6 to 7 years of medical degree programs.

De Luna likewise noted that this health mission in CamSur was inaugural as it was their first partnership outside Metro Manila. “Very much appreciated mi po an tabang kan pag-organize kaini. Everything is coordinated very well from the instructions of Congressman Lray Villafuerte, Governor Luigi Villafuerte, and to the staff of CamSur PESO, malaking bagay po talaga,” she said, recognizing the efforts of the Provincial Government of making the event successful.

This Ka Fuerte Chiropractic Health Mission is a testament that the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur is constantly upgrading its healthcare programs and services that will promote the health and well-being of its people.