The Vaccination Benefits in This Philippine City Include Free Rice

Get Vaxxed, Win Free Rice: Philippine City’s Unexpected Inoculation Efforts

Muntinlupa City is also known for its drive-through and home vaccination drives.

No matter how one looks at it, the COVID-19 vaccination benefits trample its disadvantages by a long shot — no pun intended. Unfortunately for some countries with a considerable population of so-called anti-vaxxers, this doesn’t always offer enough reassurance. With chances of achieving herd immunity at risk, how do governments find the middle ground?

In the Philippine city of Muntinlupa located in southern Metro Manila, apparently, all it takes is rice. To be more precise, those who get vaccinated against COVID-19 can have the opportunity to receive free 25 kilograms of this staple food. This was made possible by a Muntinlupa local government’s weekly “Bigas sa Bakuna” (Rice for Vaccine) raffle promo.

Also read: 5 Key Things to Keep in Mind When Travelling After the COVID-19 Vaccine

When vaccination benefits also include free food

Free Rice Philippines

Image credit: Basta Sukat Sikat

The Bigas sa Bakuna incentive program started on 24 May 2021 in Barangay Sucat in one of the Philippines’ most highly urbanised cities. The premise was to enhance the locale’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts by rewarding select vaccinated residents with free rice. Among those inoculated within a week, twenty winners will be drawn randomly to receive the food.

To do this, an individual must first head to the local covered court for his or her vaccination. Once he or she receives a dose of his or her COVID-19 vaccine, a raffle ticket that contains a corresponding number will be given. For one to qualify, the inoculation must be scheduled in advance. The person must likewise have received a confirmation via text message for the day. No walk-ins allowed.

A couple of other regulations have also been put in place following the city’s vaccination program. Aside from showing a text confirmation, those up for vaccination must present a necessary QR code. Meanwhile, those with comorbidities should come with documentation proving their condition. The winners of free rice are announced live on the district’s local official Facebook every Sunday.

Also read: Community Pantries Emerge in Various Parts of the Philippines Amid COVID-19

Why such incentive is actually a good thing

Vaccination Programs Philippines

Image credit: Basta Sukat Sikat

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, a Filipino can consume around at least 120 kilograms of rice a year on average. This is based on data reviewed in 2020. Receiving free 25 kilograms of rice, on top of protection against COVID-19, is a monumental step towards a struggling Filipino family’s eventual recovery in the time of a pandemic.

Aside from offering vaccination benefits in the form of food, Muntinlupa is known for its drive-through and home vaccination drives. Both efforts have yielded great results in terms of decongesting key vaccination sites in the city and helping locals who are physically incapable of going out for their inoculation.


Featured image credit: OZMedia via Canva Pro

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Joser Ferreras
Joser Ferreras

Joser is a senior writer for TripZilla based in Manila, Philippines. He mostly covers travel, people, and business.

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