Public toilets in Baguio parks win ASEAN Tourism Standards Award

PUBLIC TOILETS IN BAGUIO PARKS WIN ASEAN TOURISM STANDARDS AWARD

The toilets located at Botanical Garden and Wright Park snatched the 2023 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards Awards’ “ASEAN Public Toilet Award”.

The toilets are managed by the City Environment and Parks Management Office. The Wright Park facility was completed in 2020, while the Botanical Park lavatory, in 2021.

City Supervising Tourism Officer, Engr. Aloysius Mapalo revealed that the toilets will become the model of all public toilets in tourist-frequented areas in the city during the Ugnayang Panlungsod held January 11, 2023 at the Baguio City Multipurpose Hall.

“It is the first time a government-managed lavatory won the prestigious award”, he added.

The award is based on “Design and Environmental Management System”, which involves “good waste water management system and standardized water treatment system, pleasant landscape and design, clear public toilet signboards, disabled and elderly facilities”.

It is likewise judged based on amenities and facilities, which involves appropriate space for each cubicle, sufficient provision of amenities, coat hangers and ledges in cubicles.

Points are also earned for “Cleanliness”, which is based on ventilation, good smell, tidiness of the facility, and customer interaction by designated personnel.

Safety, which includes lighting, location, construction, materials used and use of environmental cleaning agent are considered.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, for his part, hailed CEPMO headed by Atty. Rhenan Diwas for the feat.

“Big big congratulations Rhenan and Team CEPMO. You nailed it,” the mayor said.

The ASEAN Public Toilet Awards is an initiative of the ASEAN Tourism Standards Task Force to address the quality standard issues in public toilets.

The awarding ceremony will be held on February 5, 2023 at the Marriott Yogyakarta Hotel, Indonesia. – Mileyvonne Tiamzon/AUB