The Department of Tourism (DOT) proudly unveiled the Muslim-Friendly Travelogue of the Philippines, a three-volume publication that showcases the beauty, diversity, and inclusivity of the country through the lens of Muslim-friendly travel.
This milestone launched at the DOT Central Office reinforces the Philippines’ growing recognition as one of the top rising Muslim-friendly non-OIC destinations—a testament to the collective effort to build a tourism industry that welcomes all.
“Today marks another step in our continuing work to transform Philippine tourism not only as an engine of growth, but as a catalyst of development driven by purpose, inclusivity, and impact. The Muslim-Friendly Travelogue of the Philippines embodies this vision,” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“It is a guide and a roadmap for welcoming the world with respect, warmth, and understanding.”
“It is a guide and a roadmap for welcoming the world with respect, warmth, and understanding. Through the travelogue, visitors will discover historic sites that celebrate our shared heritage, culinary experiences that celebrate our halal and Muslim-friendly offerings and destinations designed to promote comfort, safety, and hospitality for all,” Frasco added.
Each volume of the travelogue takes readers on a meaningful journey through faith, culture, and cuisine.
Volume 1, Muslim-Friendly Philippines 101, explores the deep roots of Islam in the nation’s heritage and communities.
Volume 2, Muslim-Friendly Travel, maps destinations, accommodations, and itineraries designed for comfort and cultural respect.
Volume 3, Muslim-Friendly Culinary Experiences, celebrates halal and Muslim-friendly Filipino cuisine crafted by renowned Muslim chefs from Mindanao and beyond.
Developed in partnership with New Perspective Media Group, this travelogue provides a practical guide for domestic and international visitors to experience the Philippines in ways that honor faith and culture—reflecting the DOT’s mission to make tourism inclusive, respectful, and authentically Filipino.
“We now have, in our hands, a guide for our beloved travelers—not just Muslims—to enjoy the Philippines in a way that is most acceptable to our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
As emphasized by DOT Undersecretary for Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar during her welcome remarks, “After years of setting the foundation, developing standards, upskilling frontliners, and readying destinations, we now have, in our hands, a guide for our beloved travelers—not just Muslims—to enjoy the Philippines in a way that is most acceptable to our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
The launch marks another milestone under the leadership of Frasco, an administration “full of firsts” in promoting Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, from issuing Memorandum Circular 2024-003 to standardize Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments; mounting of events such as the SALAAM: Halal Tourism and Trade Expo; partnering with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts to recognize all 13 of its properties as 100% MFAEs; establishment of Tourist Rest Areas in destinations such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi; and supporting destination projects like Marhaba Cove in Boracay.
Dignitaries in attendance included Malaysian Ambassador Malik Melvin Castelino; Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan; Embassy of Saudi Arabia Second Secretary Mohammed Alkhudhayri; Embassy of Qatar Public Relations Officer Awab Elahmar; New Perspective Media Corporation CEO Karen Remo and COO Vince Ang.
DOT officials present were Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Maria Rica Bueno, and Ferdinand Jumapao; Assistant Secretaries Sharlene Batin and Ina Zara-Loyola; and Director Arlene Alipio.
