Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) Managing Director Cleofe Albiso signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish more Muslim-friendly properties in the Philippines.
The signing of the MOU became the highlight of the opening of the Philippine Pavilion at the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) 2024.
“They will be our partners in furthering our country brand, Love the Philippines.”
“Through the signing of this memorandum of agreement all of the MegaWorld properties commit their properties to the Halal- and Muslim-friendly properties and, in addition to that, they will be our partners in furthering our country brand, Love the Philippines as well as to ensure the Filipinization of resort properties all over the country,” Frasco said.
Under the MOU, the DOT will engage MHR as a strategic partner in carrying out initiatives, from country branding, manpower training, product development, and related programs including the 2025 National Accommodation Standards Halal and Muslim-friendly Tourism Standards and Guidelines, Balik Bayani sa Turismo, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)-accredited Merchant, and the Filipino Brand of Wellness.
“We also entice many of our stakeholders to do the same.”
“We know that we are looking forward to our full support and utmost cooperation and making sure that we attract and also create stronger ties in attracting our Muslim brothers and sisters, which we need so much in our country. So, I hope that this MOU is just the start, and we also entice many of our stakeholders to do the same. Secretary, you have our full commitment, and we look forward to enliven this partnership,” Albiso replied.
Also present at the MOU Signing were Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Philippine Consulate General in Dubai Consul General Marford Angeles, Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, OIC-Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Nograles, and MHR Head of Hotel Sales and Strategic Partnership Claire Bernabe.