Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso meet with National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Regional Director Dimapuno Datu Ramos Jr. and other NCMF officials to discuss the proposed creation of a Halal Town in Manila. (Photo from Manila PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso expressed his support for the proposed creation of a "Halal Town" in Manila that will showcase traditional Halal foods to the public as part of the city government's expanded efforts to strengthen its ties with the Muslim community.
Domagoso met with National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) regional director Dimapuno Datu Ramos Jr. on Friday, Aug. 29, to tackle the project.
According to the mayor, it is high time for the creation of a Halal Town, same as the Chinatown and Korea Town in Manila, as the city continues to become a famous food avenue. He also suggested the certification of restaurants that are serving traditional Islam cuisine.
Meanwhile, Ramos thanked the local chief executive for his programs benefiting Manila's Muslim community, including the creation of the first Islamic Cemetery in Manila and the inception of the Muslim Consultative Council (MCC).
"Sa kanilang pagdalaw na pinangunahan ni Regional Director Dimapuno Datu-Ramos Jr., aking binigyang-diin ang ating pagsusumikap na mapanatili ang pagkakapantay-pantay ng mga mamamayan pagdating sa mga oportunidad, trabaho, at karapatan, anuman ang iyong relihiyon o paniniwala (During their visit, led by Regional Director Dimapuno Datu-Ramos Jr., I emphasized our efforts to maintain equality among citizens when it comes to opportunities, jobs, and rights, regardless of your religion or belief)," Domagoso said.
"Para sa mga kapatid nating Muslim, ang Lungsod ng Maynila ay laging bukas para sa inyo—dito, walang pinipili at bawat isa ay mahalaga (To our Muslim brothers and sisters, the City of Manila is always open to you—here, no one is discriminated and everyone is important)," he added.