Coinciding with World Toilet Day, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. shone a spotlight on sanitation excellence as it honored the country’s best public restrooms at the recently concluded 2025 Oro Inodoro Awards.
This year’s awards marked a major expansion, welcoming entries from across the Philippines and opening new categories that included Public Offices and Spaces, Hotels & Malls, Gas Stations & Transport Hubs, Schools & Universities, and Restaurants & Cafés. The broader scope allowed more establishments to showcase how thoughtful design, cleanliness, and inclusivity can elevate everyday public spaces.
Leading the winners was Valenzuela City Hall, which clinched both the Grand Winner Award and the top honor for Public Offices and Spaces—a testament to the city’s commitment to accessible, well-maintained public facilities.
“Ang pagkilala na ito ay patunay ng ating pangangalaga sa kalinisan, kaayusan at dignidad ng bawat Valenzuelano na gumagamit ng ating mga pampublikong pasilidad,” said Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” T. Gatchalian. “Sa Valenzuela, naniniwala kami na ang malinis na palikuran ay simbolo ng maayos na pamahalaan.”
Other category winners included Kiddie Loo at NOMO, Bacoor for Hotels & Malls; Shell Mobility Vista Verde Molino for Gas Stations & Transport Hubs; Philippine Women’s University for Schools & Universities; and Hanan Coffee Brewers in Bataan for Restaurants & Cafés, each standing out among strong finalists nationwide.
Special recognition was also given to Casa Elmira, a Parañaque-based restaurant, which received the Banyo Para Sa Lahat Award for its inclusive restroom design catering to persons with disabilities and diverse gender expressions. Meanwhile, the One Ayala UV Terminal earned the Banyo ng Bayan Award, the People’s Choice distinction, after topping social media votes among all entries.
Nominations were sourced from netizens through the Kubeta PH Facebook page, followed by a rigorous evaluation and audit conducted by a multidisciplinary panel from Maynilad, including experts from its Waste Management Department, engineers, and inspectors.
Winners and finalists were formally recognized at an awards ceremony held at Conrad Manila on November 19. The Grand Winner received ₱30,000, while each category winner took home ₱10,000. The recipients of the Banyo Para Sa Lahat and Banyo ng Bayan awards were likewise awarded ₱10,000 each.
“To all our nominees and winners: 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. “You show that it is possible to create clean, safe, inclusive, and sustainably managed facilities—even under high foot traffic and with limited resources. This is what leadership in sanitation looks like.”
Formerly known as the Golden Kubeta Awards, the reimagined Oro Inodoro Awards now stand as the country’s definitive benchmark for public restroom excellence—reinforcing public health standards, promoting dignity and inclusivity, and supporting global goals on water, sanitation, and sustainable development.
