Baguio’s rat hunt relaunched to improve market cleanliness and food safety

Baguio City, Philippines- To keep the city’s public market clean while ensuring the safety of food being sold, the local government of Baguio is set to relaunch its month-long rat-catching challenge.

The challenge will run from May 20 to August 31, 2024, spearheaded by the City Treasurer – Market Section and the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).

Leaseholders and vendors in the public market are once again asked to eradicate the rats for a prize.

The entrapped rats, alive or lifeless, shall be turned over to a collection point to be identified by Market Supervisor IV Ceasar Emilio.

Collection for disposal is scheduled from 8 AM to 3 PM, Mondays to Saturdays by the CVAO.

It can be recalled that Mayor Benjamin Magalong initiated the challenge in 202o to eradicate rats visibly thriving at the public market while combating the surge of leptospirosis in the city during that time.

Almost 1,700 rats have been caught mostly by the vendors in the Lechon section, who were awarded P20,000 for being the champions.

This year, the section with the most rats caught will receive a P25,000 cash prize while the second place will receive P15,000,  and  P10,000 for the third place.

Additionally, P5,000 will be given to individuals with the highest number of captured rodents.