Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Monday, Nov. 3, expressed the city government's eagerness to find the perfect balance between sustaining the economy of Manila and preserving its rich history and culture as plans for the development of the long-awaited Halal Town and the major rehabilitation of the Golden Mosque Complex in Quiapo received the green light from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Domagoso met with DBM Sec. Amenah Pangandaman at the City Hall to discuss preparations for the two projects ahead of the country's hosting of the ASEAN Summit next year.

The mayor had earlier met with National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Regional Director Dimapuno Datu Ramos Jr. to tackle the Halal Town project, as the former stressed it is high time for its creation, 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 Islamic cuisine.

Pangandaman lauded the city government's concept and assured her agency’s readiness to provide support.

“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,” she said.

She also expressed her gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government for providing funds for the major rehabilitation of the Golden Mosque Complex.

The secretary noted that the restoration initiative follows earlier instructions from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" 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.

The planned rehabilitation aligns with the city government's efforts to showcase religious coexistence and cultural tourism, noting the strategic proximity of Quiapo Church and the Golden Mosque as symbols of unity. 

“For those who are Muslim, pwede silang pumunta dito; yung mga Katoliko naman, papasyal din dito. Then, there’s exchange, maganda po siya for tourism prospects, trade, work, jobs, and livelihood, among others (For Muslims, they can come here; for Catholics, they can also visit here. Then, there’s an exchange that is good for tourism prospects, trade, work, jobs, and livelihood, among others)," Pangandaman explained.

A joint effort

Domagoso also expressed his gratitude to the officials of the DBM for their support in the city's planned initiatives.

"With the help of Secretary Pangandaman and the national government through the leadership of President Marcos, malaking bagay ito para sa ating mga Muslim brothers and sisters. 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 will be a great thing for our Muslim brothers and sisters. 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)," he said.

Domagoso also shared that Vice Mayor Chi Atienza earlier went to Malaysia to study its best practices in halal trade and urban management, following discussions with the Malaysian envoy and business leaders.

“They said it’s a billion-dollar industry. Kailangan lang nating pinuhin para mas maganda, mas maayos, mas malinis, mas ligtas, at mas payapa ang paghahanapbuhay sa Maynila (They said it’s a billion-dollar industry. We just need to refine it so that living in Manila is better, more orderly, cleaner, safer, and more peaceful)," he noted.

The mayor stressed 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, adding that Quiapo represents Manila’s cultural duality and that the Halal Town project seeks to strengthen peaceful coexistence between communities. 

“Subconsciously alam natin: Quiapo is Muslim, and Quiapo is Nazareno. Dalawang alam natin sa Quiapo. We’re very happy to have a community where Christians and Muslims live together, grow up together, and do business together, in harmony and in a peaceful manner (Subconsciously we know this for a fact: Quiapo is Muslim, and Quiapo is Nazareno. Two things that we very well know about Quiapo. We’re very happy to have a community where Christians and Muslims live together, grow up together, and do business together, in harmony and in a peaceful manner)," Domagoso explained.