73 COVID-19 free barangays in Manila get cash reward

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city government yesterday gave cash rewards to 73 barangays for being free of COVID-19 cases for two months.

Each barangay received P100,000 and certificates of commendation, in line with the local government’s incentive-based approach to further contain the spread of the virus, Mayor Isko Moreno said.

The recipients of the cash incentive are 12 barangays in District 1, nine in District 2, 20 in District 3, nine villages in District 4, 10 in District 5, and 13 in District 6.

Moreno said these barangays have been cleared of COVID-19 infections from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31.

He said COVID-19 data submitted by the barangays were validated by the Manila health department.

Last August, Moreno challenged barangay officials to remain COVID-free for two months to be able to receive cash reward.

The city council has allotted P89.6 million for the program. There are 896 barangays in Manila.

“Our goal is to be free of COVID-19 cases and I believe that you can do it,” Moreno told the barangay officials.

As of Nov. 6, there were 21,108 COVID-19 cases in Manila, with 20,009 recoveries, 619 deaths and 480 active cases.