Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, together with Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, announced plans to develop a Halal Town and rehabilitate the Golden Mosque Complex in Quiapo, Manila, ahead of the Philippines’ ASEAN Summit hosting in 2026.

Moreno met with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to discuss the city government’s which praised the initiatives and confirmed support, including funding from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the mosque’s restoration.

“Insha’Allah, we are happy that the UAE government is going to provide funding to enhance the Golden Mosque Complex,” Pangandaman said.

She added that the project aligns with directives from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and highlighted the site’s potential for promoting cultural tourism and interfaith unity, given its proximity to Quiapo Church and the Golden Mosque.

“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, livelihood, among others,” she added.

Domagoso described Halal Town as both a livelihood program and a national economic opportunity, noting that Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza had earlier gone to Malaysia to study its best halal trade model and urban management, describing it as a billion-dollar industry.

“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.

The Mayor noted that Quiapo reflects Manila’s cultural duality, and the Halal Town project aims to foster harmony and peaceful coexistence between communities.

Moreno reiterated that the project aims to balance commerce, safety, and accessibility while promoting interfaith harmony, given Quiapo’s cultural duality as home to both Muslim and Christian communities.