MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said the refurbished old National Power Corporation (Napocor) building in Port Area, Manila is the site of the "Bed and Bath" Inn that can hold 780 occupants in 390 double deck beds.

Fernando said the project is included in the 10-point agenda of President Arroyo designed to help decongest the metropolis.

For a measly fee of P25 per head per day, Fernando said paying guests are assured of a temporary but comfortable stay in one of the sleeping quarters in the inn with hot home-style meals available at the mess hall.

Another innovation is the coin box-operated showers in the bathroom where the tenants may drop a P5 coin for eight minutes of unimpeded water surge to remove the dirt and soap suds on their body.

Should one wish to stay in the shower longer, the occupant will only have to drop another P5 coin to enjoy eight more minutes of bathing.

Based on his assessment, Fernando said the "Gwapotel," aside from helping decongest traffic by reducing travellers and motorists on the streets, would help cut the expenses of Metro Manila workers who go home to the provinces and other suburban areas regularly.

In his calculation, a regular trader spends an average of P150 daily for his transportation fare and other related expenses but staying in the MMDA Gwapotel would cut his expenditures to P25 per day for a savings of 600 percent.

Even if one has to spend for breakfast, Fernando noted that the savings would still be sizeable, considering the average P30 to P50 expense for breakfast.

Fernando added that longer hours of restful sleep would also allow the worker to do more and be more alert and active.

The MMDA chief said an average employee or worker normally spends eight hours of travel time every week.

He added that a more productive workforce in Metro Manila would contribute to the country’s rapid attainment of economic progress and development. (Chito A. Chavez)