When Rice Turns Into a Vaccine Incentive: Sucat’s Creative Community Boost
Why the Incentive?
Many residents in Sucat— a sleepy suburb on Manila’s outskirts— found the idea of a routine vaccine drive pretty dull. Feeling a little “deliver‑more‑than‑you‑should” vibe, they got creative.
How the “Rice Lotto” Works
- Each week, twenty people line up at the local clinic to get their Covid‑19 shots.
- They stand a chance to win a hefty 25‑kg bag of rice— about 55 pounds of the staple that fuels countless meals.
- The incentive is aimed primarily at families that can barely keep the lights on.
Behind the Scheme
Jeramel Mendoza, the local official, says the goal was simple: keep the most vulnerable folks vaccinated. He explained that the program turns a mundane “sign‑up” into a “win‑win” situation, hoping to shift hesitant attitudes into actual visits.
What Everyone’s Saying
LOCAL PEOPLE: “It’s a solid deal. You get your shot, you get your rice. Win‑win, right?”
Future Plans
With the pandemic still evolving, those who have already grabbed their bags are eager to keep the momentum going — and to prove that sometimes a bit of rice and a dose can change the game.
<img alt="" data-caption="Residents wearing face masks as protection against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) queue for vaccines, at the Barangay Sucat Covered Court, in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on June 21, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”c0de6e33-bded-41d2-a2f7-15f3c2048232″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210622_crowd_reuters.jpg”/>
Vaccinating the Village: A Fun Spin on a Serious Campaign
Picture this: a once quiet village gets a dose of excitement. But when the first batch of vaccines rolled in, the crowds were… apparently almost invisible.
“Only a handful signed up,” the local chief complained.
He scribbled a quick note on his head‑scratch: “Why is it that the wealthy folks or those living in fancy villas are buzzing with shots, while our poorer neighbors? They’re barely popping up.”
Fast‑forward to the present:
- Since the kickoff at the end of May, the village officials have been pumping out up to 2,000 doses a day.
- Pre‑campaign, they were only handing out about 400 shots daily.
So, you can imagine the difference – it’s like upgrading from a tiny punch‑in kitchen to a full‑blown factory.
What’s the secret?
The team’s cracking the code on why the poor are lagging: is it a lack of info, a trust issue, or just a ton of skepticism? Either way, the numbers are telling a dramatic story.
And while the stats might scare you, we’re determined to fight the epidemic with a laugh and a love for humanity.
<img alt="" data-caption="A woman who has received her first dose of Sinovac Biotech's CoronaVac vaccine for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) drops her entry for the weekly raffle draw of sacks of rice for vaccinated residents, at the Barangay Sucat Covered Court, in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on June 21, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”b876e3b0-b29b-437c-936a-d499c539a8f3″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210622_woman_reuters.JPG”/>
The Heat‑Up on Vaccinations in the Philippines
“I’m safer now, and look what I snagged in a raffle!” says Almond Gregorio, a valiant firefighter and lucky raffle winner. He’s thrilled that his own hand boiled up a dose of protection—and a handful of rice in the process.
Why President Duterte’s Voice is Turning South
- Earlier this month, President Rodrigo Duterte urged everyone to punch in for shots as the nation struggled to hit its immunisation goals.
- This week, he’s stepping on the gas: a televised speech on Monday left his refusal to vaccinate with potential jail terms.
- The goal is clear—stop the country from dragging its feet on the longest Russian‑nursed outbreak in Asia.
Current Vaccine Landscape
The Philippines now has about 2 million fully inoculated citizens out of roughly 110 million residents. Why the lag? The country has faced headaches getting vaccine deliveries, meaning the rollout has been slower than a snail on a sticky road.
Feeling the Moment
Almond’s story epitomises the push for faster coverage. “Feeling safer after getting my shot, plus that extra rice, feels like a win on two fronts,” he says. It’s a reminder that getting tested isn’t just an individual act—it’s a boost for the whole community.
Let’s hope the government stays consistent, the public keeps stepping forward, and the jokes about being “canned” at the corner shop fade as the vaccines roll on.
Corona Confusion in the Philippines
In a recent poll by Social Weather Stations, only about a third of the 1,200 Filipinos surveyed were ready to roll up their sleeves for the jab. The rest were in a classic “I’m not sure” state, worried about side‑effects, or just doubting the vaccine’s overall mojo.
The Archipelago’s health ministry has ordered 113 million doses from five different manufacturers. But up till now, most people are lining up for China’s Sinovac shots.
Local Initiative Gets a Gold Star
Sucat’s own Louilyn Tubice—housewife, RV champion, and recent prize‑winner—shared her thoughts:
“It’s delightful because you get to be vaccinated and also receive a bag of rice.”
Her words underline a practical win: health plus hunger relief, all in one go.
