Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso renewed his challenge to barangays to keep their areas free of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases from December 1 to January 31 and get a reward of P100,000 in return.
Domagoso on Monday signed Executive Order No. 45, stating that the city government will award P100,000 to barangays that will not have any new COVID-19 infections from December 1 to January 31.
Additionally, the 73 barangays who already received P100,000 after staying COVID-19-free from September 1 to October 31 may receive up to P200,000 if they succeed in the new challenge.
The Manila mayor said they decided to challenge the barangays again due to the effectiveness of the first challenge in lowering the city's COVID-19 cases, as well as to give chances to other barangays who managed to significantly decrease the number of infections in their area.
"Now, you have a chance to be better," he said in a live broadcast on Monday.
In his executive order, Domagoso also said that the city “finds it imperative to motivate its barangays in its fight by providing them with incentives which can also serve as assistance in maximizing their efforts.”
“While the city already achieved several milestones in its fight against COVID-19, the city, nonetheless, admits that more is needed to be done,” the order read.
Data from the barangays will be validated by the Manila Health Department and Manila Barangay Bureau.
Meanwhile, the Manila City Council and the City Budget Officer will coordinate to discuss the funding source.
The local chief executive thanked the barangay officials and said each official will receive a certificate of appreciation should they beat the new challenge.