National Commission On Muslim Filipinos - Visayas Region

𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐘 𝐐𝐔𝐑-𝐀𝐍

On June 11, 2026, Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu coordinated with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Visayas Region under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Hanefah M. Sultan, through Chief Sittie Saiba D. Basher-Manonggiring of Socio-Economic Development Division, for the provision of forty (40) copies of Qur’an in response to the needs of their Muslim guests.

This is the third hotel assisted by the Regional Office.

This generous donation comes from the Government of Malaysia through their One Million al-Quran Program, a noble initiative inspired by the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The shipment of these precious copies was managed by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPIM) Selangor in close cooperation with Cebu City Hall's Office of Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC).

As an agency that promotes cultural awareness, religious sensitivity, and inclusivity, NCMF Visayas Region remains committed to supporting establishments in accommodating and respecting the religious needs of Muslim guests.

Alhamdulillah.

- 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒐-𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑵𝑪𝑴𝑭 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒔

𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐕𝐈 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒’ 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆

The Department of Agriculture Region VI successfully convened the Halal Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting to align government agencies, MSMEs, and Muslim community leaders on advancing Western Visayas as a Muslim-friendly, Halal-ready region on June 09, 2026 at Parola Drive, Iloilo City.

Under the leadership of DA Western Visayas, various government agencies gathered for the consultation. The meeting shared public programs and services designed to elevate the quality and production of Halal in our region. This is proof that the government is united in empowering our agri-stakeholders.

The full-day consultation highlighted Region VI’s strategic role in the national Halal Industry Development Program pursuant to RA 10817, with strong emphasis on food security, tourism, and export competitiveness.

The consultation meeting was held with the following objectives:
• Present the current status and milestones of the Halal program in Western Visayas.
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination between DA6, NCMF, DTI, DOT,and DOST.
• Identify key challenges and opportunities for Halal-certified food production and Muslim-friendly tourism in Region VI.
• Mobilize stakeholders toward building a “Halal-Friendly Philippines” from local farms to global markets. The following officials, resource persons, and stakeholders attended the meeting: DA6 Leadership:
• Mr. Jay Mart P. Martinez, SRS / Halal Focal Person, DA6 – Presented activity overview + status of Halal in Western Visayas
• RED Dennis R. Arpia, Regional Executive Director, DA6
• RTD Maria Teresa T. Solis, RTD for Operations & Extension, DA6
• Mr. Ryan V. Rasgo, Chief, Field Operations Division, DA6
Partner Agencies & Resource Speakers:
• Representatives from NMIS Region VI – Presented updates on meat inspection and Halal slaughter compliance
• Representatives from DOST Region VI – Presented Halal-related science, technology, and product development support for MSMEs
• Representatives from DOT Region VI – Presented Muslim-friendly tourism standards and destination development initiatives
• Representatives from DTI Region VI – Presented programs on MSME Halal certification, branding, and market access
• Representatives from Environmental Management Bureau Region VI – Presented environmental compliance and sustainability in Halal food production
• Representatives from Agricultural Training Institute Region VI – Presented capacity-building and training programs for Halal agri-stakeholders
• Ms. Fateen Al-jonara Pangarungan, NCMF Visayas Halal Focal Person, participated via Google Meet presented NCMF Visayas

Program Direction and other critical updates:
o Philippine Halal Industry Development Key Milestones and NCMF’s mandated Halal function.
o NCMF Visayas Implemented Programs/Projects focused on Halal awareness and advocacy.
o Background on RA 10817: Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act, which positions tourism as a major driver of Halal export services.
o Mission Alignment: NCMF Visayas is building the groundwork to make the Visayas a Top Muslim-Friendly Destination, directly supporting the tourism sector’s growth. This is in line with RA 10817, which identifies tourism as a major contributor to the Philippines’ export services growth.
o Global & National Market Context: Industry valued at USD 7 trillion, projected to reach USD 10 trillion by 2030
o Regional Strengths & Action Points: Major tourism destinations are driving demand for Halal-certified restaurants, food services, and accommodations, Push for MSME Halal Certification, Linking farmers’ cooperatives to Halal farm production and value chains, Partnership agreement with third party HCB to safeguard the Halal seal.
o NCMF Visayas highlighted that building Halal-certified food production and processing from the ground up is the Halal program’s top priority: guaranteeing access to Halal food. This mandate is led by the Department of Agriculture.
o Strategic Question Raised: “If tourism brings infrastructure, investment, and better quality of life, can Halal tourism be the next big boost for Region 6?”
o NCMF Visayas closed the presentation with a call to action, stating: “Let’s work together to grow the Halal industry in the Visayas Region. Halal From Farm to Fork, Local to Global.” Also, in attendance are representatives from Iloilo City LGU Local Office on Muslim Affairs – Presented local initiatives and support mechanisms for Muslim communities in the region and leaders from the Muslim community and representatives from Muslim organizations such as BOSA and Islam Inc.

Key concerns and recommendations raised during the meeting included the following:
• Need for Local Halal Auditor: Appeal to NCMF Visayas for support in developing a pool of local Halal auditors to lower certification costs for MSMEs and business owners.
• Halal Certification: Issues and process concerns related to Halal certification for MSMEs
• Proposed Halal Slaughterhouse: Proposal for the establishment of a Halal slaughterhouse in the region
• Halal Multiplier Farm Initiative: Updates and support needed for the ongoing Halal multiplier farm project
• Halal Monitoring Technical Working Group: Creation/strengthening of a TWG for Halal monitoring and compliance
• Comprehensive Halal Ordinance: Proposal for a comprehensive local Halal ordinance

The meeting reaffirmed that Halal development is not only a religious requirement but an economic strategy. Through government leadership, local action, academic innovation, and shared prosperity, Western Visayas can transform its tourist hotspots into Muslim-friendly destinations.

NCMF Visayas extends its appreciation to DA Region 6 for the inclusive and productive meeting, which fostered fruitful discussions and valuable exchange of ideas.

- 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒐-𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑵𝑪𝑴𝑭 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒔

𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓-𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐋-𝐀𝐃𝐇𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈

Marking a monumental step forward for inclusivity, cultural representation, and unity in Eastern Visayas, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Visayas Regional Office successfully organized the first-ever Eid Al-Adha Congregational Prayer held at People's Center and Library in Tacloban City on May 27, 2026.

Under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Hanefah M. Sultan, and through the dedicated initiative of Acting Chief Fayda D. Kho of the Settlement Division, this event stands as a powerful testament to the provincial and local government’s commitment to embracing and uplifting the Muslim Filipino community in Region VIII.

The historic gathering was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Tacloban City Vice Mayor Raymund Vincent Romualdez, who provided the venue, ensuring that our Muslim brothers and sisters had a dignified, spacious, and welcoming environment to fulfill their religious obligations.

The event drew an overwhelming response, bringing together more than 800 people from all over Region VIII.

Serving as the Khateeb for the Eid’l Adha prayer was Ustadh Ismael Cacharo, the Executive Director of Ikhlas Tacloban. In his insightful sermon: He reminded the community of the deep spiritual significance of Qurban (sacrificial offering) for those who are blessed with the financial means to do so and he underscored the eternal importance of making sacrifices solely for the sake of Allah (SWT), inspiring the congregation to live lives rooted in selflessness, charity, and devotion.

NCMF Visayas extends its profoundest gratitude to the Provincial Government of Leyte, the Local Government Unit of Tacloban City, Vice Mayor Romualdez, our spiritual leaders, volunteers, and the hundreds of attendees who made this milestone an absolute success.

This is more than just a celebration; it is a historic leap toward deeper mutual understanding, respect, and shared progress in the Visayas.

- 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧, 𝙉𝘾𝙈𝙁 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙨

𝐀𝐦𝐮𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐤!

In observance of the 1448 Hijrah Amun Jadid (Islamic New Year), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Visayas Region joins the Muslim Ummah in commemorating this significant occasion, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧

Released | 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘

𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐔 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐌 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐇 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐍

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) - Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs (BMCA) and the NCMF Visayas Regional Office successfully conducted a Madrasah assessment in the Province of Aklan from May 5 to 6, 2026.

Led by BMCA Director Arch. Benrajiv J. Kashim and Madrasah Education Development Division Chief Jurhana P. Dimaampao, the initiative aimed to evaluate current educational frameworks and identify areas for growth within the local Madrasah system.

The BMCA team, including Jay-Jay Alben, worked in close coordination with the NCMF Visayas Regional Office, headed by Acting Regional Director Hanefah M. Sultan, through its Cultural Affairs Division (CAD), led by Chief Minang Manggis to ensure the activity's smooth implementation.

Together with the BMCA team were NCMF Visayas CAD staff Amin Dianalan and Carangan Mapasang.

Beyond the assessments, the visiting team held a productive dialogue with local Muslim community leaders. This served as a vital platform to exchange insights, address community concerns, and align goals for the holistic development of Islamic education in the province.

The NCMF remains steadfast in its mandate and commitment to empowering Muslim communities across the Visayas region. By actively preserving cultural heritage and continuously uplifting the quality of Madrasah education, the Commission aims to secure a brighter, well-grounded future for the Muslim Filipino youth.

- 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒇𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒔 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑵𝑪𝑴𝑭 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒔

𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐒 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐑𝐆𝐘. 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐆-𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐒 𝐁𝐘 𝐍𝐇𝐀-𝐕𝐈𝐈

Driven by its steadfast commitment to the welfare of Muslim Filipino communities, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Visayas Regional Office actively supported and coordinated a housing validation initiative on May 21, 2026.

Under the guidance and leadership of Acting Regional Director Hanefah M. Sultan, the NCMF Visayas team collaborated closely with the National Housing Authority (NHA) Region VII during their validation of structure owners. This joint effort is a step toward the distribution of cash assistance for the families affected by the fire incident in Barangay Kinasang-an last June 01, 2025.

To ensure the continuity and success of this welfare initiative, NCMF personnel Rashidah M. Mocsir and Haneah T. Magomnang diligently monitored and followed up on the developments of the assistance program to ensure eligible residents were properly accounted for.

Upon coordination of Acting Regional Director Hanefah M. Sultan with NHA-VII and upon directive, the field validation was smoothly executed by the NCMF Visayas team, spearheaded by Officer-in-Charge Atty. Al-Emir Yusoph J. Balt, alongside dedicated personnel: Amin Dianalan, Ruel Bato, Haneah Magomnang, Nawira Unda and Ramlah Balt.

Through this strong inter-agency collaboration, the validation process achieved an organized and orderly flow, moving affected residents one step closer to receiving their much needed relief and recovery funds.

The NCMF Visayas Region remains dedicated to bridging government services closer to our constituents, ensuring that no family is left behind in times of crisis.

- 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧, 𝙉𝘾𝙈𝙁 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙨

𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐀𝐖 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐒𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 – 𝐍𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐒 𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍

On May 20, 2026, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Visayas Region, under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Hanefah M. Sultan, participated in an online lecture hosted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office – Negros Island Region (RSSO-NIR).

The session is part of the Lecture Series of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (RIACCRVS) – Negros Island Region. This initiative aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and facilitate the exchange of vital knowledge regarding Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS).

Attended by NCMF Visayas Region Haneah T. Magomnang.

NCMF Visayas remains committed to continuous capacity building and professional development to better serve the Muslim Filipino community in the region.

- 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧, 𝙉𝘾𝙈𝙁 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙨