Cover image via SAYS PH
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's [MMDA] (http://www.mmda.gov.ph) budget-hotel project was launched in 2007 for the benefit of the transient workers who are looking for an affordable place to stay
At P25/night (P20 a night; P5 a bath), a transient could stay in the 710-bed inn and sleep overnight on a double-deck bed with the other guests
In 2015, Gwapotel has been renovated by the MMDA to fix the beds and comfort rooms and add new electric fans in the building. The security has been insured as well with CCTV cameras installed in every floor.
In fact, the inn accommodated security forces during Pope Francis' visit in January 2015 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November 2015, according to [Inquirer] (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/808319/mmda-inn-gwapotel-badly-needs-makeover).
However, the occupancy rate of the inn had gone down because of the bed bug infestations and graffiti that are driving customers away
"We used to have full occupancy. But it was reduced because of the problems. Once repairs are done, it's not bad for P50," said Dr. Loida Alzona, head of MMDA's Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection.
The third and fourth floors of the four-story building are currently closed for repairs. 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," added Alzona, according to Inquirer.
Image via Twitter @DZBB
If the transients get hungry, there are also food concessionaires available at the ground floor
"It's a good option, especially now that it's been raining. We just hope the guests will use it well," Alzona said as she also cited the instances of missing shower curtains.
Image via Dennis Villegas
Image via Dennis Villegas
Alzona appealed to regular Gwapotel clients to "treat it like your own place and take care of it."
