Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza unveiled key initiatives for the city’s Muslim community during the Islamic Assembly (MOLTAQA) held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Atienza announced two major programs: the establishment of designated prayer rooms in public facilities and the creation of a “Halal Town” to uplift Muslim entrepreneurs and cultural pride.

Atienza emphasized the city’s intent to provide Muslim residents with dignified and accessible places of worship in everyday public spaces, beginning with shopping malls.

“Nag schedule na po kami ng ocular inspection sa isang malaking mall kasi gusto namin na hindi niyo na kailangang maghanap ng fitting room o restroom para makapagdasal (We have scheduled an ocular inspection at a large mall because we want you to no longer have to look for a fitting room or restroom just to pray).”

“Gusto naming magkaroon kayo ng maayos, marespeto, at nakalaan na prayer room (We want you to have proper, respectful, and designated prayer rooms)."

This move was a direct response to feedback she received during her personal dialogues with Muslim community members, many of whom highlighted the difficulty of finding appropriate places to perform daily prayers while in public.

Another highlight of Atienza’s speech was the introduction of “Halal Town” a proposed space where Muslim entrepreneurs can sell halal certified products host cultural events and promote Islamic heritage.

“Inaayos namin ang Halal Town dito sa lungsod para maipakita niyo ang inyong mga produkto at para malaman ng lahat na may representasyon kayo dito at sinusuportahan ang inyong kabuhayan (We’re arranging a Halal Town here in the city so you can showcase your products and let everyone know you are well represented and that your livelihood is supported)."

The project is being coordinated with the Manila city government and aims to support both cultural representation and economic empowerment within the Muslim community.

A Personal Connection to the Muslim Community

In a heartfelt moment Atienza shared her own upbringing in a diverse neighborhood surrounded by Muslim families recounting how that shaped her understanding and appreciation of the community’s traditions.

“Natutuwa akong makasama kayo dahil simula pa noong ako ay bata, alam ko na ang mga Muslim dahil sa lugar kung saan ako nakatira. Kalahati ng aking mga kabaranggay ay mga Muslim, kaya lumaki akong kasama ninyo (I’m happy to be with you because since I was young I already knew about Muslims because of where I lived. Half of my neighbors were Muslims so I grew up among you)."

She also took a moment to speak directly to the women in the audience encouraging them to embrace their power and influence in shaping communities.

The MOLTAQA assembly serves as a vital annual event for Manila’s Muslim community promoting unity and providing a platform for dialogue. Atienza’s presence and her forward looking announcements were met with enthusiastic applause a sign of hope and strengthened ties between the city government and its Muslim residents.