The first Muslim Cemetery and Cultural Hall in Manila City was inaugurated Monday, June 7.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, together with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, and Manila Muslim Affairs Chief Dir. Shey Sakaluran Mohammad led the inauguration ceremony.
The Muslim Cemetery and Cultural Hall in Manila City is located at the Manila South Cemetery.
In his speech, Domagoso said the cemetery and cultural hall are “simple tokens” of appreciation for the efforts of Muslims “in the early times fighting for the independence and sovereignty of the country.”
“Itong araw na ito ay inaalay namin, kaming mga kasalukuyang henerasyon, sa mga ninuno naming Muslim dito sa lungsod, ito ay simpleng tanda ng pagalala na kung sino talaga kami (This day is dedicated by the present generation to our Mulsim ancestors here in the city, this is a simple sign of remembering who we really are),” the mayor said, adding that the city's forefathers were Muslims.
The mayor said he has been hearing stories about how Muslims in the city of Manila always had trouble whenever one of their family members passes away.
Domagoso said Muslims in Manila had to go to different provinces or cities to lay their late relatives to rest, and some even go back to Mindanao.
“This is yours. This is our offering and acceptance of our shortcoming as a city government,” he added.
“Our Muslim brothers and sisters, you can now say that you have a place that you can call your own. A place for your family, for your loved ones, here in Manila,” he said.
Mohammad said the inauguration of the Manila Muslim Cemetery and Cultural Hall is a “monumental and historic day” for Muslims in the city.
“Indeed, Filipino Muslims have long found a home in Manila,” she said.
She also thanked Moreno for caring and standing up for Muslims in the city.
“No Manila mayor has done more for us Muslim brothers and sisters and have stood up for us like Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagsoso did,” the Manila Muslim Affairs Chief said.