MMDA: More handsome 'gwapotel' in Manila's Port Area

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has renovated its “gwapotel” located at Manila’s Port Area.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said that although the four-story low-cost inn is not making any money for the agency, it is providing safe and cheap lodging for low- income workers such as those working in the Port and for jobseekers from the provinces.

The inn, formerly an office building of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) along Bonifacio Drive, has 1,400 bunk beds.

“Pang-mangagagawa talaga ito. Yung mga nag-a-apply ng trabaho, mga kumukuha ng board exam na walang matuluyan na mas mura,” said Tolentino, who added that the agency is planning to set-up another “gwapotel” somewhere in Quezon City.

Compared to the other more expensive inns in Manila, a 12-hour stay at the smoke-free MMDA “gwapotel” would only cost P50, inclusive of the use of the coin-operated shower for eight minutes. There are separate wings for men and women. Users of the “gwapotel” could also rent lockers at an additional cost.

“Yung mga galing ng probinsya alam nilang may matutuluyan agad sila. Pang-transient lang ito,” added Tolentino.

The renovation of the inn cost the agency some P500,000. The renovation started last December.

"Ni-repaint naming yung gwapotel. Pininturahan yung bintana. Ginawa din ‘yung mga comfort rooms doon, yung mga paliguan nilagyan ng kurtina, nagkaroon din kami ng pag-spray para mawala yung mga ipis at lamok. May centralized electric fan, nagdagdag din kami at pinalitan na rin yung sira sirang mattress. By tomorrow magkakaroon ng blessing sa gwapotel," MMDA Metro Parkway and Clearing Group chief Francis Martinez said.

According to Martinez close circuit television cameras were also installed on each floor of the inn to ensure the safety of the guests. Each floor also has a color television set and electric fans.

The “gwapotel” coined from the Filipino word “gwapo” (Handsome) and hotel, was an idea of then MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando. Fernando then planned to set-up a cheap workers inn in every city and municipality of Metro Manila.