Boracay, a top leisure spot among local and foreign tourists, is set to showcase private coves to be used and enjoyed by Muslim women who, traditionally, do not mix with other people during their sea and beach visits.

The Department of Tourism announced that this is part of the scheduled launch this coming September of “Muslim-Friendly Boracay,” a reintroduction of the area to comprehensively integrate the requirements of Muslim travelers.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized that this is a vital step in the government’s positioning of the Philippines as a Muslim-friendly destination.

The DOT stated that the launch will be in partnership with the local government of Malay, Aklan, as well as tourism stakeholders.

DOT Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar noted, “Malay Mayor Floribar Bautista is looking for an area. Actually, he already identified three possible areas. Iyon ang ila-launch sa September. The municipality would also redesign the island’s port to include a prayer room and ablution area for Muslims.”

Ablution is the Muslims’ washing of feet and other parts of the body in preparation for praying.

Usec. Valderrosa-Abubakar shared that the DOT is currently accepting letters of intent from Boracay accommodation establishments to be recognized as Muslim-friendly stays.

She also expressed hope that Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ establishment in Boracay could soon add a Halal-certified kitchen after its recent deal with the DOT to make its properties Muslim-friendly.

The DOT official particularly referred to Boracay’s Newcoast, a 150-hectare mixed-use leisure and resort development, which is one of Megaworld’s townships in the country, with impressive hotels such as the Belmont and the Savoy.

“So, tugma-tugma na siya lahat, na mayroon kang private cove doon for Muslims, then a hotel that has a Halal kitchen, and then there’s another airline that wants to partner with DOT also for Halal-friendly airline,” Valderrosa-Abubakar added.

Private coves and other facilities and amenities for Muslims have been widely becoming popular in tourist destinations all over the world as the number of Muslim travelers exponentially grows.

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