DOT3 Regional Director Richard Daenos (2nd from left) awards the Certificate Recognition to Aurora General manager Rhett M. Villaruz (3rd from left) for the hotel's compliance with the Amended Guidelines for Recognizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.
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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Department of Tourism Region 3 (DOT-3) has recognized two hotels inside the Subic Bay Freeport for being Muslim-friendly, citing their compliance with national guidelines on inclusive tourism.
During the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) flag-raising ceremony at the administration building on 22 December 2025, DOT-3 Regional Director Richard Daenos awarded The Aurora Subic Hotel and The Mansion Garden Hotel as Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.
The recognition was witnessed by SBMA Tourism Manager Mary Jamelle Camba.
Daenos handed the certificates to Aurora Subic Hotel General Manager Rhett M. Villaruz and Mansion Garden Hotel Operations Manager Sheanelle F. Calayag, citing the hotels’ compliance with Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which sets the guidelines for the operation and recognition of Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.
A Muslim-friendly accommodation provides facilities and services that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, including prayer facilities such as Qibla direction markers, prayer mats, and dedicated prayer rooms; halal food options through certified kitchens or clearly labeled meals; and amenities such as water-friendly toilets. Staff training on cultural sensitivity is also among the requirements, with certifications issued by recognized bodies and tourism authorities.
Camba said the recognition highlights the capability of Subic Bay Freeport’s hotel establishments to cater to tourists of different religious affiliations, adding that the Freeport continues to position itself as an inclusive and viable destination for diverse travelers.
She added that key features assessed by the DOT include the availability of dedicated prayer rooms, Qibla direction markers in guest rooms, prayer mats and Qurans, and, in some cases, access to Islamic television channels. Halal-certified kitchens, the use of separate utensils, halal minibar options, or menus clearly identifying halal dishes are also considered.
Other features include water-friendly toilets to support ablution or Wudu, as well as staff trained in Muslim customs, the availability of nearby mosque information, and culturally sensitive service.
