DOT promotes Central Luzon as Muslim-friendly destination

INSPECTION. Department of Tourism (DOT) officials led by Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar (center) and Region 3 Director Richard G. Daenos (second from right) conduct an inspection of Muslim-friendly facilities at the Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday (July 18, 2023). The move is part of the DOT’s efforts to promote Central Luzon as a Muslim-friendly destination. (Photo: Department of Tourism – Region 3 Office/Facebook)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office here is promoting Central Luzon as a Muslim-friendly destination through the enhancement of services and amenities designed to cater to Muslim travelers.

DOT Regional Director Richard G. Daenos on Wednesday cited the need to identify and improve the facilities and services to meet the needs and demands of Muslim tourists.

He said an orientation was conducted with the tourism stakeholders in the region to understand one of the fastest-growing tourist groups globally.

“The objective of the orientation is to provide education on understanding Muslim travelers as well as the fundamentals of Halal foods and certification,” Daenos said in an interview.

Aside from the rich natural resources and diverse cultural heritage that the region can offer, he said there must be more Muslim-friendly accommodations and facilities, Halal-certified restaurants and easy access to Halal foods and beverages to entice Muslim travelers.

On Tuesday, Daenos said that he, together with DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, led an ocular inspection of Muslim-friendly facilities at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Among those inspected were the Moonbay Marina – The Villas, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Sun Plaza, Shoreline Hotel, Segara Hotels, Subic Grand Harbour Hotel, Fusion Corner, Leonardo’s and Mr. Taste Halal Food and Restaurant.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department also provided a rolling tour of Subic Bay destinations and attractions.

“Subic Bay has been a partner in promoting Muslim-friendly facilities and services in the region during the country’s hosting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conferences, and Southeast Asian Games,” he said.

He added that various activities were also conducted to promote the region as a Muslim-friendly destination, such as the 1st ASEAN Halal Expo in SM Clark, Pampanga in 2019 and the 2nd Philippine National Halal Conference in 2019. (