President Rodrigo Duterte has raised the reward to any Filipino who can find a vaccine for the coronavirus disease to P50 million from P10 million, even as the confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections continued to rise.
He made the announcement in a televised meeting with his Cabinet members and the IATF, where he extended the effectivity of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in several areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila, to May 15.
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He even hinted that the reward could jump to P100 million.
“I am raising the bounty to P50 million because it is a collegial thing,” Duterte said.
“If I am happy, another P50 million [will be added to the reward]. “If I am very happy, I’ll make it P100 million.”
Duterte said Filipino scientists could ask for additional research funding from the government through Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, if needed.
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“What matters to me is the dedication and the load of work that they are performing. So if they need additional funding, all they have to do is ask Duque,” he said.
Pledge
Duterte also pledged to grant additional funding for the production of vaccines against COVID-19.
He made the vow as he acknowledged that Filipino scientists needed more funding to advance their vaccine research and development.
Duterte expressed willingness to spend all of the public funds to combat COVID-19.
He said he would “readily” provide extra money to boost the development and manufacture of vaccines against the disease.
“I’d rather spend all of our money in connection with COVID,” he said.
“If they need additional funding, all they have to do is make a request.”
Enough funds
The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development has enough funds to continue its task to produce a vaccine against COVID-19, Duque said Friday.
But Duque said he was not sure if the vaccine the council was producing was specifically for COVID-19.
“I will still check if they have already included this [COVID-19 vaccine] in their research work,” Duque said.
But he said his department was looking into all possible cures for COVID-19, including the use of Virgin Coconut Oil and traditional Philippine medicines.
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