Meet Mengkay, CH’s rat patroller

CEBU, Philippines — Visitors to the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office will be greeted by the presence of a security guard with four legs.

Mengkay, as office workers call her, has been responsible for containing the population of rats at the office for several months now.

Jopay Guanzon, administrative officer II, said employees wish to express their gratitude to Mengkay today as the nation celebrates Pet Day.

Rats used to be a major cause for worry among employees at the City Treasurer’s Office in the Cebu City Hall knowing that it hosts a bunch of important files and documents.

Sometime in July last year, Guanzon noticed a cat going in and out of the office regularly.

“I’m a pet lover. Pirmi gyod nako makit-an ning iringa whole executive ug legislative building. There was one time nga akong gidala sa among office ug akong gipakaon. From then, wala na gyod siya molakaw sa among opisina,” he told The FREEMAN.

Guanzon said he never imagined having a pet in the workplace, although his home in Barangay San Roque also has six cats.  After Mengkay moved into the office, the rats were also gone, said Guanzon.

“Importante man gud kaayo ang files sa treasurer’s office maong dako kaayo og tabang si Mengkay namo. Siya pod ang makapawala sa stress sa mga taxpayers nga mobayad diri ug labi na sa mga employees,” he said.

Guanzon said he prepared a flat container filled with sand where Mengkay could bury her poop.

In November, Guanzon asked his direct superior, City Treasurer Veronica Morelos, to issue an identification card for Mengkay who for them is a regular employee of the office being a “rat patroller.”

Mengkay got her ID and has been designated as the office’s security guard assigned to look after the office’s properties.

Guanzon said he spends P100 weekly for the cat’s food. On weekends, collectors at the treasurer’s office also feed her.

At the Capitol, Provincial General Services Office head Jone Sepe also got a flowerhorn fish to “add life” to his office. He calls her “Queen.”

A flowerhorn cichlid or simply flowerhorn is an ornamental aquarium fish characterized by its vivid colors and a big lump on the head.

With no window in the office, Sepe said Queen’s aquarium serves as his window. He finds the bubbling sound from the aquarium refreshing.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Rose Vincoy said having pets in the workplace helps reduce stress and nurture productivity.

“Pets remind people to pause and step back from whatever they are involved in. Short walks, a little playtime, and temporary distractions allow mental breaks so as not to overwork and become stressed,” a study by the University of Southern Carolina said.  – KBQ (FREEMAN)