A local firm has donated 12 bicycles for use of health workers in Naval, Biliran in the bid to inspire front-liners in their fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The local government announced on Sunday that private firm Mount Panamao MTB Group donated bicycles for health workers currently staying at a lodging facility provided for them by the town.
Mayor Gerard Espina said the bicycle would solve transportation concerns of responders and health workers reporting for duty. Those provided with free lodging and bicycles are health workers living in the town’s far-flung areas and other towns.
Aside from providing bicycles, the local government earlier launched a discounted fare for health workers.
“Since back ride is not allowed, we asked tricycle drivers that instead of increasing the fare, we decided that the local government will pay PHP100 per day to 150 tricycle drivers. In return, they are obliged to give fare discounts to our front-liners,” Espina said.
Government and private health workers will have to present their identification cards upon riding the selected motor cabs for hire with visible signage.
The discounted fare is available to health workers from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Market vendors who have agricultural pass may also avail of the discounted fare.
As of Sunday, the town has two remaining patients under investigation and three persons under monitoring for Covid-19. (PNA)