By Zaldy Comanda
BAGUIO CITY - Mayor Benjamin Magalong launched a “rat-catching challenge” on Wednesday at the Baguio City Public Market to address sanitation issues which, he emphasized, should be another key to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (Photo from Benjie Magalong - Public Servant / Facebook / File Photo / MANILA BULLETIN)
According to Magalong, a primary concern was the presence of rats at the wet market, especially at night, which he said has to be immediately addressed.
As such, Magalong has required vendors to install rat traps at strategic places to address the rodent infestation.
As a reward, Magalong has dangled P20,000 for the vendor who would be able to catch the most number of rats this April. P10,000 will go to the second placer.
At the launch on Wednesday alone, some 133 rats were caught, while on the second day,186 rats captured.
The captured rats were turned over to the City Veterinary Office for proper disposal.
Market head Fernando Ragma, said the rodents appeared to have been coming from an open drainage canal.
His office, in coordination with Asst. City Veterinarian Silardo Bested, will lead the rat control program in the area.
"Vendors are very cooperative and it seems they are enjoying the competition. We also reminded vendors to exercise precautionary measures for their safety and health," Ragma said.