Maynilad, DoT partner for wastewater drive

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. partnered with the Department of Tourism (DoT) on a wastewater management campaign to increase public awareness on environmental protection and sustainable tourism.

The west zone water concessionaire signed an agreement with DoT on Thursday to launch the “Maynilad Kubeta PH X It’s More Fun in the Philippines” partnership.

Under the partnership, the DoT and Maynilad will award the “seal of good toilet-keeping” to 24 tourist destination such as parks, historical sites, and restaurants within the water provider’s service area.

“For establishments to be conferred the seal, their restrooms must be consistently clean and well-maintained, and equipped with basic fixtures and amenities, including a working faucet and flush, soap, and toilet paper,” Maynilad said in a statement.

“They also have to be compliant with government regulations on wastewater management via regular desludging of septic tanks, connection to Maynilad’s sewer network, or operation of law-compliant sewage treatment facilities,” it added. 

The DoT will identify the nominees which will undergo document and physical audits led by Maynilad’s wastewater management team. The nominees who will pass the audit process will be awarded the seal that can renewed yearly.

“The seal affirms the importance of keeping toilets clean and comfortable for tourists and the general public and the need to comply with relevant laws and regulations regarding wastewater management. It also serves as a reminder to tourists and the public about responsible toilet use as part of promoting sustainable tourism,” Maynilad said.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the campaign is very timely as the pandemic highlights the importance of sanitation and hygiene.

“For tourism, public toilets are crucial. These should not be only clean, but also safe and comfortable for tourists to use. Simple as it may seem, but toilets could make or break a tourist’s travel experience,” she said.

Further, Ms. Romulo-Puyat highlighted the ASEAN Public Toilet Standard, which aims to guarantee that public toilets at tourist destinations in the region are clean, safe, and observes proper waste management.

“When Maynilad launched Kubeta PH back in 2016, we had one goal in mind — to bring conversations about proper wastewater management to the mainstream. We continue to raise wastewater awareness through this campaign, and this partnership with DoT will help us reach more people,” Maynilad President and Chief Executive Officer Ramoncito S. Fernandez said.

Maynilad provides water to Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, Manila, Makati, and Quezon City, as well as parts of Cavite province including Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which has a majority stake in Maynilad, is one of three Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave