MMDA opens shower facilities for cyclists in Pasig City

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

FRESHEN UP. Inside one of the new shower rooms launched by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) at the Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City on Tuesday (March 17, 2026). The project is part of the MMDA and the national government’s agenda to promote active and sustainable transport and to provide comfort and convenience to the public. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – Cyclists at the end of their travel before reporting to work can now use showers and freshen up at the Motorcycle Riding Academy (MRA) in Pasig City as part of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) efforts to promote active and sustainable transport in Metro Manila.

During its launch on Tuesday, MMDA Chair Romando “Don” Artes said the project was only the start, and similar facilities will be launched in the rest of Metro Manila in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to promote sustainable transport.

“Kami dito sa MMDA ay gumagawa ng programa at asahan n’yo po na maglalagay pa kami ng mga similar facilities all over Metro Manila para matulungan ang mga kababayan na nagbibisikleta lalo na ‘yung mga pumapasok sa trabaho at opisina (We create programs here at MMDA and rest assured that we’ll install similar facilities across Metro Manila to help the public, especially for those who cycle to work),” Artes said.

The project features four shower rooms — one exclusive for males, one exclusive for females, and two all-gender shower rooms.

Other amenities include bike racks and changing rooms.

During the event, LPG distributor Republic Gas Corp. (Regasco) committed to donating hygiene supplies such as soaps, shampoos and 1,000 towels for the facility’s users.

The MMDA has also partnered with the private sector, including Maynilad, Manila Water and Meralco, to subsidize the cost of water and electricity for the facility.

To date, the MMDA is exploring whether to operate the showers 24/7 to best serve the estimated 1,700 cyclists using the EDSA bicycle lanes daily.

For monitoring and security, users are required to register upon entry before accessing the facilities for free.

When asked whether the facility is open to the public and not exclusive to cyclists, an MMDA press officer said the program is in its pilot implementation, and its protocols are still being fine-tuned.

“Updates will be provided for any additional guidelines,” the officer said in a message to reporters.

To ensure proper maintenance, cleaners and security personnel are assigned to take care of the facilities.

The launching event was led by Artes and MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III, along with other MMDA officials, representatives from partner agencies, and partners from the private sector.

Several cycling community groups also participated, including MNL Moves, Move As One Coalition, Sakay PH, Make It Safer Movement, Bicycle Friendly Philippines, Tiklop Society of the Philippines, Siklista Pilipino, Firefly Brigade, East Side Riders Marikina, Renacimiento Manila, Happy Pedal Project and the National Bicycle Organization.