Muslim prayer room to rise at NAIA Terminal 2 after DBM chief appeal

INCLUSIVITY took a meaningful step forward at one of the country's busiest gateways, as Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman welcomes the commitment of San Miguel Corp.

FAITH FINDS HOME AT NAIA Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman welcomes the commitment of San Miguel Corp. and Department of Transportation to build a Muslim prayer room at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. DBM IMAGE

Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang and Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to build a Muslim prayer room at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2.

"Thank you, RSA and Sec. Vince, for your openness, compassion, and support in making our airports more inclusive and respectful of all faiths. That's leadership in Bagong Pilipinas," Pangandaman said on social media.

While NAIA Terminal 2 arrival area offers a space for Muslim prayers, the departure area still lacks a dedicated prayer room.

"In a recent early morning flight, I witnessed something truly touching at the departure area of NAIA Terminal 2. I found some of our Muslim brothers and sisters quietly offering Fajr prayers. I later learned that while there's space at the arrival area, the departure section still doesn't have a dedicated Muslim prayer room. Upon gently raising the concern, Mr. Ramon S. Ang and Secretary Vince Dizon were quick to commit that they will be working on it," she wrote.

The prayer room will offer a tranquil space for peace, dignity and reflection, particularly important for millions from Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), many of whom regularly travel through NAIA for work, pilgrimage or study.

A proud Maranao, Pangandaman is the first Muslim woman to serve as Budget secretary in the Philippines.

She is also the co-chairman of the Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body, where she works closely with national and BARMM leaders to strengthen autonomy, uphold cultural rights and ensure meaningful development across Mindanao.