The Department of Tourism–Region 3 (DOT-3) has recognized two hotel establishments in the Subic Bay Freeport for meeting Halal-friendly standards, reinforcing the area’s readiness to cater to diverse tourist needs.
DOT-3 Regional Director Richard Daenos, together with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Manager Mary Jamelle Camba, awarded certificates of recognition to The Aurora Subic Hotel and The Mansion Garden Hotel during the SBMA flag-raising ceremony at the administration building on December 22, 2025.
Aurora Subic Hotel General Manager Rhett M. Villaruz and Mansion Garden Hotel Operations Manager Sheanelle F. Calayag received the certificates for their compliance with DOT Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which outlines the amended guidelines for recognizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs).
Under the guidelines, Muslim-friendly accommodations are required to provide prayer facilities such as Qibla direction markers, prayer mats, and designated prayer rooms; Halal food options through certified kitchens or meals; and amenities including water-friendly toilets and culturally sensitive staff training, certified by recognized bodies such as CrescentRating and local tourism authorities.
Camba said the recognition highlights the capability of Subic Freeport hotels to accommodate guests from various religious and cultural backgrounds, noting that the area remains a viable and inclusive tourist destination.
She added that key requirements for DOT-recognized Muslim-friendly establishments include dedicated prayer rooms, Qibla direction markers in guest rooms, prayer mats (Sejjadah), availability of the Quran and Islamic television channels, Halal-certified kitchens with separate utensils, and Halal minibar options or clearly marked Halal dishes on menus.
Other features include water-friendly toilet facilities for ablution (Wudu), staff trained in Muslim customs, access to information on nearby mosques, and the provision of culturally sensitive services.
Camba also noted that Megaworld Hotels & Resorts have likewise been certified under the same DOT guidelines.
