Capitol establishes toilet stop program for travelers

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government on Monday formally launched its Clean Toilet Stops Partnership Program through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with local government units and private establishments.

The agreement, signed during a ceremony at a mall on General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City, aims to establish a network of clean, safe, and accessible restroom facilities for tourists and travelers moving around Cebu.

Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) head Rowena Montecillo described the initiative as an important milestone in the province's continuing efforts to improve tourism services and visitor experience.

“While often overlooked, toilet facilities play a vital role in creating a positive and memorable experience for every traveler,” Montecillo said.

She said the program was inspired by Governor Pamela Baricuatro's directive to strengthen tourism support facilities and ensure visitors have access to reliable comfort rooms while traveling across Cebu.

The program seeks to create a province-wide network of tourist-ready establishments that can serve as designated toilet stops, providing convenience and comfort to both local and foreign visitors.

According to Montecillo, the first phase focused on developing the program's framework, including the formulation of guidelines, standards, and assessment criteria.

She said particular attention was given to cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and operational requirements to ensure participating establishments meet the standards expected under the program.

Baricuatro said the initiative reflects a shared commitment between government and private stakeholders to make Cebu more tourist-friendly and accessible.

“This is a declaration of our shared vision for a more tourist-friendly, accessible, and welcoming Cebu,” the governor said during her speech.

She emphasized that tourism is not only measured by the province's attractions but also by the quality of services and facilities available to visitors.

“Charm is not only found in our beautiful destinations or the warmth of our people. It is reflected in the care that we give to every visitor’s experience, even in the simplest but most important facilities we provide,” she said.

Baricuatro noted that access to clean and well-maintained comfort rooms remains one of the most basic yet significant needs of travelers.

“Many may see this as a simple matter, but in tourism, small details leave lasting impressions,” she said.

She added that clean toilet facilities help improve visitor satisfaction, protect public health, and strengthen Cebu's reputation as a premier tourism destination.

The province has identified 18 Toilet Stop locations across Cebu that will form the initial network under the program.

These include facilities located in Oslob, Argao, Sibonga, Naga City, Barili, Aloguinsan, Toledo City, Balamban, Cebu City, Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Bogo City, Carmen, Compostela, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.

Most of the identified locations are situated within gasoline stations, while others are found in local government-managed sites such as plazas and public markets, as well as selected private establishments.

Under the MOA, the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office will oversee the implementation and monitoring of the program and provide official recognition to participating establishments through tourism mapping initiatives, authorized program signages, and inclusion in tourism promotional materials and digital platforms.

The province may also provide technical guidance on sanitation standards, visitor management, and accessibility compliance, subject to applicable government auditing and accounting regulations.

Meanwhile, participating establishments are required to maintain restroom facilities that are clean, safe, accessible, and fully operational during business hours. They must ensure adequate water supply, proper waste disposal systems, ventilation, lighting, and the availability of basic supplies such as soap and tissue.

Partners are likewise required to designate personnel responsible for maintenance, keep cleaning and monitoring logbooks, and display clear signage indicating facilities for men, women, and persons with disabilities, operating schedules, and any applicable user fees.

The agreement also contains provisions allowing the provincial government to revoke recognition or terminate partnerships if establishments fail sanitation audits, lose required permits, violate laws, refuse inspections, or fail to comply with program standards. In such cases, all official recognitions and promotional listings under the program may be withdrawn.

Baricuatro thanked participating establishment owners, managers, mayors, and tourism officers for supporting the initiative, highlighting that the partnership demonstrates how government and the private sector can work together to improve tourism services in the province.

“Tourism is not measured only by the number of visitors we receive. It is measured by the quality of experiences we provide,” the governor said. — (FREEMAN)