Pride in restrooms lifted the Muntinlupa City Government to the spotlight of the 2024 Oro Inodoro Awards, as the local government unit bagged two trophies, including the Grand Winner Award, for its excellent public restrooms.
The awarding recognized the best restrooms in various parts of the country through three major categories, namely Offices and Schools, Commercial and Retail, and Parks and Terminals. The Muntinlupa LGU also finished on top of the Offices and Schools Category, edging other finalists University of Santo Tomas and Manila Broadcasting Company.
“Gusto nating magkaroon ng pleasant experience ‘yung mga gumagamit ng ating comfort rooms. Importante ang CR sa lahat ng facilities,” said Engr. Dynadelle Aranda, Muntinlupa City Government City Engineer/Acting Building Official, who also touted their wastewater management. “Sa pamamagitan ng ating sariling STP (Sewage Treatment Plant), we make sure na bago natin i-discharge ang wastewater, malinis po ito. Importante siya hindi lang para sa sanitation kundi sa health ng buong komunidad.”
Calle Café, a restaurant in España, Manila, took the plum in the Commercial and Retail category, beating the Grand Ballroom in Okada Manila and Cleanfuel’s C5 Amvel branch.
Meanwhile, Palacio De Memoria, a cultural landmark in Parañaque, won the Parks and Terminals major award over worthy finalists Vista Terminal Exchange and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) earned the special award called Banyo ng Bayan, or the people’s choice award, which is judged through social media likes. Ayala Malls Cloverleaf took another special award titled Banyo Para Sa Lahat, which measured features that make restrooms inclusive and accessible to marginalized groups such as differently-abled persons, various gender expressions, and parents who need childcare equipment like diaper changing stations.
The grand winner took home a cash prize worth P30,000, while category winners and special awards winners each netted a P10,000 prize. The winners were honored in a ceremony held in Rizal Park Hotel, Manila, on Nov. 19, which the United Nations proclaimed as World Toilet Day.
Marie Antonette De Ocampo, Maynilad’s SAVP and Head of Corporate Affairs and Communication, underscored the importance of the often-overlooked public restrooms. “The Oro Inodoro Awards remind us that public restrooms are reflections of our collective values and our commitment to providing safe and dignified spaces for all. By recognizing these exceptional establishments, we set a benchmark for others to aspire to and reinforce the idea that hygiene and sanitation are cornerstones of a healthier, more sustainable Metro Manila,” she said.
Oro Inodoro Awards, backed by Maynilad Water Services, Inc., is an annual awarding program that has been recognizing the best public restrooms in the country since 2016. The backbone of Oro Inodoro Awards lies in how a public restroom provides ginhawa to Filipinos. Beyond aesthetics and cleanliness, it takes into account accessibility, comfort, responsible wastewater management, and eco-friendly practices in running and maintaining the public restrooms.
Randolph Estrellado, Chief Operating Officer of Maynilad, emphasized in his keynote speech that a clean public restroom does not just provide conveniences, but promotes public health and dignity.
“Let us not forget that sanitation is a shared responsibility. May we all be reminded that maintaining clean and safe facilities is a communal effort—one that requires collaboration among government agencies, private organizations, and every individual who uses these spaces,” Estrellado said.
“Maynilad reaffirms its commitment to pushing for greater access to proper sanitation and wastewater management. We look forward to working hand in hand with you all, to build communities that value hygiene and sustainability, ensuring that these ideals are carried into the future,” he elaborated.
Engr. Zmel Grabillo, SAVP and Head of Wastewater Management Division at Maynilad, is proud to see a set of finalists who committed to do their part. “We have seen institutions with their own sewage treatment plants. Talagang ginugulan para sa ikabubuti ng kanilang mga palikuran. This demonstrates responsible wastewater management, which eventually safeguards and protects the environment and the community,” he said.
The Oro Inodoro Awards, formerly called Golden Kubeta Awards, took in nominations from netizens through the Kubeta PH Facebook page. Finalists went through an evaluation and audit process conducted by a panel of experts.
