Rat-to Cash Program Back in Marikina City to Fight Against Leptospirosis

The city government of Marikina revived its "Rat-to-Cash" program on Sept. 14 in a bid to fight against the bacterial disease leptospirosis, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, and which affects both humans and animals

Mayor Marcy Teodoro said the city only has three cases of leptospirosis, lower than the eight cases from 2021, as per a press release by the Marikina Public Information Office on the same day. The three individuals acquired leptospirosis from their place of work outside Marikina.

To control the spread of leptospirosis, the "Rat-to-Cash" program incentivizes residents with a cash reward for every rat they are able to catch.

“Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, nakita ng mga residente ang oportunidad na magkaroon sila ng additional income para sa pamilya nila," Teodoro was quoted as saying. 

(Through this program, residents also saw an opportunity where they can make additional income for their families).

In a report by 24 Oras via GMA News Online on Sept. 14, Teodoro said the City Environment Management Office (CEMO) will buy rats that weigh more than 150 grams for P200 each, while rats below that weight would be valued at P50.

The caught rats were brought to the CEMO and placed in yellow trash bins, which classify infectious waste, for their proper disposal. Only Marikina residents are allowed to take part in the program and those who wish to do so are advised to be cautious in catching the rats, such as by wearing gloves and washing their hands thoroughly.

The local government unit also improved the city's infrastructure and flood mitigation projects to solve flooding in the area. Teodoro believed that one's chances of being infected with leptospirosis go down if there is no flooding, which can carry the disease