MANILA — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to install “all-gender” restrooms in its seaport terminals and offices by the end of August to promote gender sensitivity and inclusivity.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said on Tuesday that the possibility of putting up such facilities had been studied for several months.
“The facility, which can accommodate one person at a time, can be used by anyone, regardless of gender,” Santiago said.
He added that as part of PPA's efforts to promote gender equality, a number of its port management offices and centers were managed by women port managers, positions once dominated by men.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community have similarly been given opportunities to earn positions they are qualified to perform.
“Our goal is to develop an environment of sensitivity and inclusivity for our personnel and our port users,” Santiago said.
In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo R. Duterte is considering the addition of third bathrooms in establishments for the LGBTQ+ community following his meeting with transwoman Gretchen Diez on Monday.
The President also expressed his intention to support the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, which aims to prevent acts of discrimination against people based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
On the same day, the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality held its first public hearing on the SOGIE Equality Bill following an incident last week involving Diez.
Last week, Diez was prohibited from using a female restroom in a mall in Quezon City and was later arrested following complaints from a janitress who asked her to step out of the line to the ladies’ restroom. (With reports from Azer N. Parrocha/PNA)
