Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman discussed on Monday the city government’s proposed Halal Town development and the planned rehabilitation of the Golden Mosque Complex in Quiapo.
In his message, Domagoso said they aim to ensure alignment between the city government and the national government’s preparation for the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next year.
“I was very excited to present our small effort in aligning the city’s goals with the national government — especially as we are hosting the ASEAN… With the help of Secretary Pangandaman and the national government through the leadership of President Marcos, this is a great development for our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he said.
Domagoso noted that Quiapo represents Manila’s cultural duality, and that the Halal Town project seeks to strengthen peaceful coexistence between communities.
He said Vice Mayor Chi Atienza went to Malaysia to study best practices in halal trade and urban management, following discussions with the Malaysian envoy and business leaders.
“They said it is a billion-dollar industry… We just need to refine it to make living in Manila better, better, cleaner, safer, and more peaceful,” said Domagoso.
He added that the city aims to balance economic activity and order by identifying specific zones for commerce and ensuring accessibility and safety for both vendors and visitors.
For her part, Pangandaman commended Manila’s Halal Town concept, assuring her agency’s readiness to provide support, especially as the national government also prepares for major rehabilitation work on the Golden Mosque.
“When I saw your project on TV, the Halal Town and taking care of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Manila, I was so happy and excited… Insha’Allah, we are happy that the UAE government is going to provide us funding to beautify the Golden Mosque Complex,” she told Domagoso.
Pangandaman noted that the restoration initiative follows earlier instructions from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to upgrade the historic site originally built during the time of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
According to the DBM chief, the envisioned rehabilitation aligns with the city’s efforts to showcase religious coexistence and cultural tourism.
