To maintain sanitation at the city public market and prevent an outbreak of leptospirosis, a rat catching challenge was launched by the city government among vendors.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong instructed the implementation of the program on March 31 after visiting the public market to check on the status of window hour scheme in line with the enhanced community quarantine policy.
The mayor noticed the presence of rats so he instructed the placement of rat traps to address rodent infestation.
Market Supervisor Fernando Ragma Jr., and Assistant City Veterinarian Silardo Bested were tasked to lead the rat control program in the market.
The mayor instructed the setting up of one mouse trap for every two vendors.
During the first day of the challenge, 131 rats were captured and another 255 were caught on the second day, bringing the total number of rodents captured to 386 in two days.
The challenge will be for one month with the market section having the highest number of rats captured to receive P20,000 and the second group will receive P10,000.
“The vendors are very cooperative and it seems they are enjoying the competition. We also reminded vendors to also exercise precautionary measures for their safety and health,” Ragma said.
Rats captured are being turned over to the City Veterinary Office for proper disposal. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan
