One of Manila’s most prestigious universities is about to get gender-neutral restrooms for its students and staff.

The Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) approved the construction of two-gender neutral toilets at its Manila campus.

The approval came at the request on LPU KASARIAN, a recently founded LGBTI student organisation at the university.

LPU KASARIAN was established to ‘champion equality of all genders and to acknowledge the rights of the LGBT community that continuously grows in time’.

Its founder and president Dencio Pedere Arcadio took to Facebook to express their excitement with the decision.

‘Spread the good news friends and family,’ they wrote.

‘[This is] One big step for a more open-minded and a more embracive LPU.’

Arcadio said this was an important move forward for LGBTI rights on campus.

‘[I] believe that having a gender-neutral restroom is one way to achieve our goal – that is, gender equality – as well as to eradicate or minimize discrimination and bullying,’ Arcadio told the Rappler.

LGBTI rights recognised

Founded in 1952, the LPU boasts current Filipino President Rodrigo R. Duterte as one of its notable alumni.

In September last year the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City also installed a gender-neutral restroom.

Its president, Father Joel Taborato said it was to ‘increase understanding and respect for the human needs and sensitivities of all’.

‘The dialogue, I pray, shall foster greater insight into and understanding of the LGBT community and the needs of others who interact with it, even as I already initiate certain changes in the management of our physical plant,’ he said.