BY HERMAN M. LAGON
THE FACT that the solutions are neither costly nor complicated irritates many of us. A well-kept bathroom does not call for fancy financing or modern technology. Along with appropriate training for those in charge of maintenance, the public and business sectors must start committing themselves to prioritizing cleanliness and maintenance. It also calls for a cultural change in how we see public restrooms—not as an afterthought but as an essential component of our infrastructure deserving of the same care as roads, bridges, and airports.
Furthermore, spending money on hygienic, easily accessible, well-kept bathrooms might have a domino effect on the travel sector. Indeed, it is a matter of public health and safety, but it also relates to furnishing an environment where visitors feel welcome and comfortable. A good bathroom experience can gently inspire visitors to stay longer, see more sites, and return for their next trips. Restrooms are thus tools for economic development, not only conveniences.
Think of the narrative of China’s “Toilet Revolution,” a nationwide campaign started in 2015 meant to raise the condition of public restrooms all around the nation. The campaign understood that poor toilet facilities hampered the development of tourism.
China has made great progress in public health as well as enhanced its reputation among foreign visitors by investing in better restrooms. The success of this project shows that enhancing bathroom facilities is about creating the conditions for more general social and economic advantages than only fulfilling a basic need.
Should we start a comparable project, the results could be rather significant. Imagine the Philippines, where visitors can discover its breath0taking beaches, ancient sites, and energetic cities without ever having to worry about locating a clean, comfortable toilet. Such surroundings would not only improve the general travel experience but also support public health and sustainable development goals of the nation.
If the Philippines is to advance, it must learn from its neighbors in Southeast Asia and beyond. Starting with the ASEAN Public Toilet Standards is a good start, but more than just following rules is involved.
All levels of government, the business sector, and the public must work together to acknowledge the importance of well-maintained bathrooms and make appropriate investments in them. This is about building an environment where residents and visitors may flourish, not only about adhering to foreign norms.
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of hygienic, well-kept bathrooms in travel. They reflect a nation’s dedication to public health, environmental sustainability, and general visitor welfare as well as to its own.
We can become a world-class tourist destination by prioritizing public restroom maintenance and enhancement. This is a straightforward but practical approach to demonstrate that the nation values people who visit to appreciate its natural beauty. For in travel, the most crucial difference is sometimes found in the most minute elements.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ”student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with./PN
