SINCE the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine, the private sector has been offering discounts and promos for vaccinated individuals. Not only are these incentives for those who have been vaccinated against the Covid-19, but it also builds consumer confidence.
The national government has also announced that it will raffle off cash prizes worth P3 million under the "Resbakuna: Bakunado, Panalo” promo of the Department of Health (DOH).
In a Facebook post, DOH said there will be 50 winners each in October and November. The winners will get P5,000 each. In December there will be a grand draw. The top prize will be P1 million, the second prize is P500,000, and the third prize is P100,000. The promo is sponsored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and the DOH.
Here are the steps to join the promo:
Step 1: Text RESBAKUNAREG name/age/address and send to 8933.
Step 2: Text RESBAKUNA 1st letter of vaccine brand/number of doses/local government unit/date of vaccination and send to 8933.
Meanwhile, on September 30, the City Government of Davao announced that it will be giving out prizes such as gift certificates, in a raffle for the Bakuna Nights set from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 1, at the San Roque Elementary School vaccination hub.
We welcome the incentives given away by the government and private sector. In a way, this could help encourage more people to get vaccinated.
The government may also consider adding more incentives to the vaccinated in terms of policies. For example, those who are vaccinated will be allowed to watch movies in theaters or be given more freedom to travel from one place or another. It can also look into further expanding face-to-face classes at the college level for those who are vaccinated. In a way, this will allow the reopening or resumption of more businesses.
However, while the incentives are good, educating and informing the public about the benefits of the vaccine and how it works must not be forgotten. This means that as the government provides incentives, it also strengthens its communication and education campaign on the Covid-19 vaccines.
We continue to encourage everyone to get the Covid-19 when it is made available to them. There are enough credible studies showing the effectiveness of the vaccine in protecting you from hospitalization and death due to Covid-19.