By 
Hopefully, some alleys and walls would no longer stink, as the government officially opens the bidding for the creation and rehabilitation of over 1000 public restrooms nationwide.
The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) published an invitation to bid in major publications on Sept. 18, indicating the start of the bidding process for the P341-million toilet project.
Outgoing DOTC Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas said the project addressing the public’s basic need for clean and functioning public toilets aims “to restore the pride and the dignity of Filipino.”
“This project is in keeping with the commitment of the Government to prioritize the people’s welfare and well-being — true to the ‘Kayo ang Boss’ advocacy,” Roxas explained.
The agency said a total of 327 toilets will be built in MRT3 and LRT stations, facilities managed by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), as well as amenities in Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Philippine National Railways in Metro Manila.
Another 614 toilets will be constructed for Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine Ports Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and other offices nationwide.
“These restrooms will subscribe to a common design standard of cleanliness and functionality, less the frills and drama of five-star toilets,” he added.
Roxas explained his department will resort to bulk purchases to reduce the cost of rehabilitation and construction of public toilets in train stations, airports, seaports, and frontline DOTC offices.
The cabinet member who will soon take over the Department of Interior and Local Government noted the project will be bid out into several lots, allowing more suppliers to participate in the procurement.
The project is composed of two clusters including the P143-million supply and delivery of goods, which has six lots and the procurement of civil works consisted of 20 contracts amounting to P198 million.
About P40.6 million of the P143 million are for the supply and delivery of major fixtures like urinals, water closets, and faucets while P25.3 million will be used for the purchase of floor and wall tiles.
Another P22.6 million will be bid out for minor fixtures hand dryers, automatic liquid soap dispensers, toilet paper dispensers, and exhaust fans.
Roxas added that P198 million will be allotted for civil works entail foundation works; demolition works; masonry; roofing works; ceiling works; water and sewerage system works; architectural works; mechanical works; electrical works; and installation of toilet fixtures and accessories.
The DOTC said interested providers who wish to join the bidding may purchase the bid documents from September 20.
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Quezon province at around 7 p.m. Wednesday, with shocks felt in many cities in Metro Manila. …
