To convince more residents to avail of vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the local government here will give cash incentives to adults who will receive the first dose or booster shot in select sites starting Monday.

Vaccinees aged 18 and above who will get their shots at Waltermart or Balanga Capitol Square malls, the public market, and at mobile vaccination in villages will receive PHP500.

“The incentive will be available for residents until March 24,” City Rural Health Unit nurse, Anabella Abella, said in an interview.

She could not say if the increase in the number of people undergoing vaccination at the Waltermart was due to the incentive but said the number rose on Monday.

“As 10:30 a.m., we already vaccinated 45 but in the past days, especially last week, there were only 25 until 12 noon,” Abella said in an interview.

One vaccinee, Mary Joy Arguelles, however, said the incentive was not a major consideration.

“Ngayon lang ako nagpabakuna dahil may anak akong maliit at ngayon lang ako available at hindi dahil sa PHP500 na ibibigay. Luluwas din ako ng Maynila at hindi puwedeng sumakay ng bus ng walang bakuna (I have a child and it is only now that I became available for vaccination. It’s not because of the PHP500. I also need to go to Manila and if unvaccinated, I can’t travel by bus),” Arguelles said.

Mayor Francis Garcia said the cash offer is to maintain the low number of Covid-19 cases.

Four new cases on Saturday raised the active tally to 23. (PNA)