The Oro Inodoro Awards, an annual initiative celebrating the finest public restrooms in the Philippines, is back to recognize organizations and establishments that excel in maintaining clean, efficient, and eco-friendly facilities.
Supported by Maynilad Water Services, Inc., the Oro Inodoro Awards highlight the significance of accessible comfort rooms, as high-quality public restrooms provide much-needed relief for Filipinos. This year’s campaign also emphasizes how effective restroom design and maintenance contribute to community health and the preservation of water resources.
The selection process for the Oro Inodoro Awards goes beyond mere aesthetics, placing a strong emphasis on responsible wastewater management. Proper collection and treatment of wastewater, along with other eco-friendly practices, are critical components of the judging criteria. Cleanliness, hygiene, visual appeal, comfort, and accessibility are also key factors in determining the winners.
This year’s awards feature three main categories: 1) Commercial and Retail, 2) Offices and Schools, and 3) Parks and Terminals. The overall winning establishment will receive P30,000, while the top restroom in each category will be awarded P10,000. Only public restrooms within Maynilad’s service area are eligible for these categories.
Additionally, two national awards will be presented to outstanding public restrooms across the Philippines: the Banyo ng Bayan and Banyo Para Sa Lahat. The former is a people’s choice award determined by social media likes, while the latter recognizes features that enhance inclusivity and accessibility for marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, diverse gender expressions, and parents needing childcare facilities like diaper-changing stations. Each of these national award winners will also receive P10,000.
Previously known as the Golden Kubeta Awards, the Oro Inodoro Awards have been honoring the best public restrooms since 2016, acknowledging that toilets play a vital role not only in fulfilling daily needs but also in enhancing the overall service quality provided to patrons.
“Access to clean restrooms is a public good, fundamentally linked to proper wastewater management and environmental responsibility,” said Marie Antonette De Ocampo, SAVP and Head of Maynilad’s Corporate Affairs and Communication. “Through the Oro Inodoro Awards, we aim to inspire creativity and motivate establishments to improve public service through well-designed restrooms.”
Nominations for the contest can be made online via the Kubeta PH Facebook page. Facebook users can nominate entries by commenting on the official post featuring a photo of the establishment’s restroom, specifying the location, reasons for the nomination, and using the hashtags #KubetaPH and #OroInodoroAwards.