Isko launches incentive strategy vs COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is taking an incentive-based approach to curb the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the community.

In a Facebook Live address yesterday, Moreno said the city government would award P100,000 as incentive to barangays with zero cases of COVID-19 for two months.

“For September and October, kapag walang nairehistro na COVID infection, walang new cases sa barangay ninyo, magkakamit ang inyong barangay ng P100,000,” he said. “Our goal is zero infection for two months and I believe that you can do it.”

Under the program, COVID-19 data will be verified by the Manila health department to determine if the barangay recorded zero infection for two months.

Moreno said he asked Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna and the city council to allocate P89.6 million for the program.

Officials of barangays with zero COVID-19 cases will be given certification in recognition of their efforts in battling the disease, the mayor said.

Manila has 897 barangays and 16 districts, which are grouped into 100 zones.

E-learning hub

Meanwhile, the city government launched yesterday an e-learning hub in Barangay 585, Sampaloc to help students, teachers and parents cope with the blended distance learning ahead of the opening of classes in public schools on Oct. 5

Moreno said they partnered with Frontrow Philippines for the E-skwela learning hub, which aims to promote quality and accessible education to learners while face-to-face classes remain prohibited.

He said computers, printers and internet connection would be made available at the e-learning hub.

“We appreciate the benefits that this educational hub will bring to students and teachers. This will help them cope with the new normal of learning,” Moreno said.