A Catholic university in Baguio has opened a gender-neutral restroom. Samuel Nerona

BAGUIO CITY - Catholic school Saint Louis University (SLU) has opened a gender-neutral restroom to accommodate its diverse student body.

Triceayn Prestousa, co-chair of the university's Gender and Development Committee, said this has been a plan of their school president since 2017.

“SLU would like to be more inclusive in the accommodation of diverse students,” Prestousa said.

Mac Barril, a 3rd year student, said the new restroom has made students like him more comfortable.

“Pag magsi-CR po ako, pinipili ko kung saan ako magsi-CR, iyong walang tao. Minsan nilo-lock ko po kasi hindi ko po maiwasang mahiya,” Barril said.

“Parang na-break na po iyong discrimination at iyong mga students na tulad ko na babaeng manamit, mas magiging comfortable na mag-CR."

Father Manny Flores, chancellor of the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral in Baguio, respects the school’s decision but said there are better ways of responding to discrimination aside from providing gender-neutral comfort rooms.

“Look into our unity, not on our differences. Such move emphasizes our differences,” he said

Saint Louis University said it aims to put gender-neutral restrooms on each floor of its buildings.