ILOILO – The local government unit of Dumangas town has found a way to encourage more senior citizens to get vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – giving food incentives for vaccinees.
This initiative is a first in this province.
The municipal government started giving out food packs last week. A pack contains five kilos of rice, assorted canned goods and milk.
Several senior citizens were hesitant of getting the jab due misconceptions or misinformation regarding its effects.
“Damo sila sang mga concerns amo ‘na nga nalab-otan sang istorya – why not nga mahatag sang incentive at least bakunadao na sila, may yara pa sila nga dal-on sa ila panimalay,” according to Mayor Ronaldo Golez.
Senior citizens or their families also had their brand preferences.
Now with the incentives, around 4,000 to 5,000 senior citizens – 44 to 55 percent of the total elderly population – received their shots.
Dumangas has more or less 9,000 senior residents. It will continue incentivizing senior citizens until they reach 70 percent of their total population./PN
