THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday appealed to barangay officials in the city of Manila not to conceal the presence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in their jurisdictions despite an award of P100,000 being at stake.
In a statement, the DOH said getting the cash prize is not enough reason to go against established COVID-19 response guidelines, particularly in reporting positive cases in their respective areas.
“Let us not conceal if we have cases in our barangays because it will not be helpful to anybody,” said the DOH.
The agency said it would be better for barangay officials and their constituents to enhance their campaign promoting minimum health standards to stop the spread of the disease instead of hiding COVID-19 cases.
“Hopefully, through this (program), we can encourage more people to follow our health protocols,” said the DOH.
Earlier, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno announced that any barangay in the city of Manila that will register zero COVID-19 cases from September 1 to October 31 will receive a P100,000 incentive from the local government.
Moreno said the absence of COVID-19 cases in the barangay level will be up for verification by the Manila Health Department (MHD).
According to the health department, the national government is in support of such initiatives by local government units.
“As a local chief executive, the Mayor of Manila has the local autonomy in his area. We, in the department, is glad and is in support over such LGU initiatives,” the DOH said.