The local government unit (LGU) of Santiago in the province of Ilocos Sur will raffle a huge cash prize of up to P200,000 to its residents who have completed their COVID-19 vaccine.

Sponsored by Mayor Josefino Miranda's family, the initiative aims to boost the LGU’s vaccine drive.

Fifty thousand pesos will be given away in the initial draw on December 25, along with two units of water pump generator, two units of flat screen TV, and 10 grocery packs worth P500.

While on the grand draw, which will be held on December 30, winners will receive the grand prizes of P200,000 and P100,000 along with two units of water pump generator, two units of flat screen TV, and 10 grocery packs worth P500.

All vaccinated residents of the municipality may join the raffle, according to Mayor Miranda.

However, he clarified that the initiative targets mainly poorer residents, who are hesitant to get vaccinated due to concerns about side effects of vaccines.

“Hindi ang premyo ang importante rito, ang importante rito ay kalusugan upang makabalik tayo sa normal na pamumuhay" (What matters in the implementation of this initiative is not the prizes but it's the result that we, in our municipality, can reach herd immunity so that we can all go back to our normal life before the pandemic hits), he said.

After data showed the LGU was far behind on its immunization targets, Mayor Miranda appealed to his constituents to get vaccinated saying that the initiative also aims to spread awareness about the benefits of the COVID-19 immunization program.

“I hope we all continue to support our government’s continuous COVID-19 vaccination program.  Let's get vaccinated,” he said.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Vida Berto said they have vaccinated 1,373 recipients or at least 10 percent of its target eligible population for the first dose while 525 recipients or at least four percent have been vaccinated of the second dose as of June 30.

The municipality's target eligible population is 13,804 or 70 percent of its total population.

These are the eligible recipients belonging to the priority groups A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (senior citizens), and A3 (persons with comorbidities).

Moreover, Miranda said that vaccinated municipal officials and employees, pensioners, and other government employees receiving P10,000 and above per month and his immediate family up to the second degree of consanguinity are not eligible to join the raffle.

The initiative was inspired by other LGUs who are also giving incentives to its vaccinated residents.

Recently, the municipality of Santa in the province announced its raffle of a house and lot to help promote the COVID-19 vaccination program.

The raffle draw will also be held in December.

Getting vaccinated may or may not prevent you from contracting the COVID-19, but the vaccine, as health officials say, may help keep you from getting seriously ill, even if you do get the virus.

And it may also protect people around you — especially those at greater risk for severe illness from the pandemic.

The government’s free vaccination continues so get vaccinated... and have the chance to receive various incentives. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)