Philippines City Offers "Rat To Cash" Program To Encourage Residents To Catch Rodents

MARIKINA, PHILIPPINES - SEPTEMBER 15: Residents receive cash and free medicine for turning over rats at the City Environmental Management Office (CEMO) on September 15, 2022 in Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines. The local government of Marikina City, a suburb east of Manila, is offering money to residents in exchange for catching rodents as part of a "Rat To Cash" program in a bid to curb the spread of Leptospirosis, a water-borne illness spread by rats through their urine, which is common during the country's rainy season. Residents are paid up to 200 Philippine pesos (US$ 3.50) for each rodent they bring whether dead or alive. The latest data from the Philippines' Department of Health showed the country recorded 1,770 leptospirosis cases from January to August this year, 36 per cent higher than the cases logged in the same period last year. (Footage by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)