Bayani dares urinal critics to propose better design

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Bayani Fernando has dared his critics to come up with a better design of urinals and waiting sheds amid growing complaints over his controversial "street furniture."

"It’s not easy to design these. The current design of the shed and the urinal is a product of my 25 years in the steel and construction business. It’s not a whim. It’s something that I am proud and happy to show," Fernando said in press conference the other day.

Fernando made the statement at the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the MMDA and officials of Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, where the company will shoulder the construction of two waiting sheds in Parañaque City.

He said there is still a need for waiting sheds along major thoroughfares in the metropolis.

Fernando said the design of the waiting sheds, first applied in 1993 in Marikina when he was mayor, is meant to be sleek so as not to block the structures and signage behind them.

They are also made of sturdy pipes, including the seats, to prevent people from pasting posters as well as discourage them from loitering.

Toyota Foundation president David Go lauded Fernando for the "functional design" of the waiting shed, likening it to a Toyota vehicle "where one gets value for one’s money."

"The waiting shed serves not only as a shelter for the commuters and drivers. It also facilitates good traffic flow. This is what public convenience is all about," Go said.

The foundation offered to donate $3,500 or roughly P200,000 for the cost of construction and maintenance of the waiting sheds.

Toyota proposed to build the waiting sheds at the corner of Sucat Road and President Avenue and the corner of Sucat Road and San Antonio Avenue but this would be subject to the evaluation of the MMDA.

Toyota’s project with the MMDA is part of the foundation’s community service, since its plant where its Asian Utility Vehicles (AUVs) are assembled is located in Parañaque.

The foundation was established in 1990 to "fulfill Toyota’s social and humanitarian aspirations".