MANILA City Mayor Isko Moreno and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Monday inspected the proposed “Halal Town” in Quiapo, Manila.
Similar to the city’s Korea town in Malate, the Halal town’s concept aims to support the city’s Muslim community and to boost tourism and economic ties with Mindanao. Moreno showcased the city’s vision for Halal Town, emphasizing its role as a clean, secure, and reliable hub for halal products and commerce.
“Every year, your city government hosts a food caravan from Mindanao,” Moreno said, highlighting recent successes, where Mindanao farmers sold P7.5 million worth of goods in just five days. The city expects to replicate this success through the Halal Town.
HALAL CENTER Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno inspect the proposed Quiapo Halal Town project in Manila on Nov. 3, 2025. The project aims to revitalize the historic district of Quiapo into a center for halal trade, culture, and tourism. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
During the inspection, Moreno addressed the Muslim community directly, saying, “Can you guarantee that all the visitors here are safe? Can you keep it clean? Can you be good? If yes, there is no problem, and you can expect to be successful in the coming months, with the help of madam secretary.”
Pangandaman, meanwhile, revealed that the United Arab Emirates government is set to provide funding for the rehabilitation of the Golden Mosque complex in Quiapo.
“We will coordinate moving forward, mayor, with your office,” she told the mayor. The budget for the project has yet to be finalized, but Pangandaman said the funding can be allocated through the Local Government Support Fund.
She added that the department is also open to public-private partnerships for the project as part of the country’s preparations to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) events next year.
Pangandaman revealed that the project is set to be accomplished before the delegates of Asean arrive in the country for next year’s event.
“This is the perfect area because for those who are Muslim, they can go here. For Catholics, they can also come here, and then exchange. So, it’s good for tourism prospects, work, jobs, livelihood among others,” Pangandaman noted.
“We’re very happy with our city — where Christians and Muslims live together, do business together in harmony and in a peaceful manner. With the help of Secretary Pangandaman and the national government, this is a big thing for our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Moreno said.
