MMDA inn ‘Gwapotel’ badly needs makeover

FEW PATRONS MMDAWorker’s Inn, formerly known as “Gwapotel,” is losing patrons due to bed bug infestation and smeared walls. The budget hotel was a pet project of former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

“GWAPOTEL,” the low-cost workers’ inn run by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), is no longer a “gwapo” (handsome) hotel.

Bed bug infestation and graffiti on its walls are driving away customers.

Dr. Loida Alzona, head of the MMDA’s health, public safety and environmental protection, on Sunday said occupancy rate had gone down because of the “surot” (bed bug) infestation.

“We used to have full occupancy. But it was reduced because of the problems. Once repairs are done, it’s not bad for P50,” Alzona said on the agency’s weekly radio program.

The MMDA Workers’ Inn, located on Bonifacio Drive in Port Area, Manila, caters to laborers and seafarers who need cheap accommodations while having their documents processed. The rate for a 12-hour stay is just P50, including a shower.

The project was launched in 2007 under then MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando and called Gwapotel, a combination of gwapo and hotel. The rate was initially set at P25.

The MMDA Workers’ Inn accommodated security forces during Pope Francis’ visit in January 2015 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November 2015.

“Lately, there has been an infestation of bed bugs so we needed to fix it. We also have a problem with vandalism, so we are repainting,” Alzona said.

The third and fourth floors of the four-story building are currently closed for repairs, Alzona said. Only bunk beds on the first and second floors are available.

“The parts that can be occupied have less than 300 bunk beds. There are 720 bunk beds in the whole four floors,” Alzona said.

A room is provided for the safekeeping of large luggage. Guests can also store their belongings in a hollow area under the head of the bed.

For added security, closed-circuit television cameras will be installed, Alzona said.

The MMDA rents out parts of the ground floor to food concessionaires so guests do not have to go out when they’re hungry.

“It’s a good option, especially now that it’s been raining. We just hope the guests will use it well,” Alzona said, citing instances of torn or missing shower curtains.

She appealed to regular Gwapotel clients to “treat it like your own place and take care of it.”