What began as Maynilad Water Services’ push for cleaner and more dignified public restrooms has grown into a nationwide spectacle. Each year, entrants vie for a spot in the Oro Inodoro Awards, hoping to grab the crown, or more fittingly, seize the throne
The big winner
This year, Valenzuela City Hall took center stage after winning both the Grand Winner Award and the Public Offices and Spaces category, recognized for its hotel-like aesthetics and accessible design.
The city’s comfort rooms stood out among all entries, setting the tone for the rest of the night’s recognitions.
The category standouts
The other category winners reflected the breadth of the competition: the Kiddie Loo at NOMO in Bacoor topped the Hotels & Malls category, Shell Mobility Vista Verde Molino led Gas Stations & Transport Hubs, Philippine Women’s University won Schools & Universities, and Hanan Coffee Brewers in Bataan captured the Restaurants & Cafés award.
Special citations strengthened the awards’ inclusive message, with Casa Elmira of Parañaque receiving the Banyo Para Sa Lahat award for its facilities designed for people with disabilities and varied gender expressions.
Meanwhile, the One Ayala UV Terminal in Makati earned the Banyo ng Bayan citation after topping public votes across all entries.
The awards just got bigger
Later in the evening, Maynilad highlighted how the awards expanded this year to include public offices and spaces, hotels & malls, gas stations & transport hubs, schools & universities, and restaurants & cafés.
Every finalist had undergone rigorous screening by experts across Maynilad’s divisions, including wastewater management staff, engineers, and inspectors who assessed both design and proper wastewater handling.
The awards also came with recognition at Conrad Manila, where the Grand Winner received P30,000 and the remaining category winners took home P10,000 each, including winners of the Banyo Para Sa Lahat and Banyo ng Bayan awards.
Beyond clean tiles
For Maynilad’s leadership, the night reaffirmed that sanitation leadership is measured not only by appearance but by responsibility.
“Your restrooms may seem like modest spaces, but the discipline, creativity, and care you demonstrated have a big impact,” said Marie Antonette De Ocampo, Maynilad’s vice president for corporate affairs and communication, noting the role of clean, inclusive facilities amid high foot traffic and limited resources.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
