Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Monday warmly welcomed Tuan Yang Terutama (His Excellency) Tun Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Governor of the State of Malacca, Malaysia.
The Governor was joined by His Excellency Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of the Philippines, along with a delegation of Malaysian officials and business leaders.
During the courtesy meeting on August 11, Mayor Domagoso expressed the City Government’s openness to explore the establishment of a “Halal Town” in Manila—an initiative envisioned to further promote cultural inclusivity, economic growth, and tourism.
The City of Manila already hosts distinct cultural districts, including Chinatown in Binondo and Koreatown in Malate.
The Malaysian delegation also commended Mayor Domagoso for launching the Manila Muslim Cemetery and Cultural Hall, the first Islamic burial ground in the nation’s capital, located within the Manila South Cemetery—a project that has been recognized as a milestone in honoring and serving the city’s Muslim community.
The Governor and the Ambassador were joined by the following members of the official delegation: Prof Emeritus Datuk Wira Dr. Hj Mohd Jamil Mukmin, Vice President of DMDI Malaysia; HE Datuk Said Aldi Al Idrus, President of DMDI Indonesia; HE Datuk Mohd Ridhwan bin Mohd Ali, General Manager of PERTAM and Board Member of DMDI; HE Datuk Wira (Dr.) Hjh Radhuana binti Salleh, General Manager of Yayasan Melaka and Board Member of DMDI; Cik Hazelen binti Talib and Prof (Adj) Dato’ Norsabrina binti Mohd Noor, both from DMDI Malaysia; Prof Datuk Dr. Mohaizi bin Mohamad, Datin Seri Azreen binti Abu Noh, and HE Dato’ Joyah binti Abd Rashid, all Board Members of DMDI; and Mr. Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Malaysia.
Also part of the delegation were Ms. Nur Farahliza Putri Naaim Yazid, Counsellor, Embassy of Malaysia; Mr. Mohd Faizal Sharip, Tourism Attaché; Mr. Ahdwa Azmil, Assistant Trade Attaché; Col. Ahmad Daud Hj Mustapa, ADC; and Mr. Wan Muhammad Fais Wan Fauzi, ADC.
