Zamboanga City — In a landmark move to promote cultural sensitivity and protect the rights of Muslim consumers, the City Government of Zamboanga has officially enacted Ordinance 715, mandating business establishments to provide separate storage, display areas, and exclusive lanes for halal products.
Mayor John Dalipe formally signed the ordinance on Thursday, April 24, during a ceremony at the City Hall conference room. Present at the signing were Councilors Aida Paniorotan, Al-Jihan Edding, and El-King Omaga, along with City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo and Business Permits and Licensing Officer Benjie Barredo.
The new law requires all businesses—including public markets, supermarkets, grocery stores, meat shops, malls, hotels, eateries, restaurants, halal-certified food establishments, suppliers, and producers—to segregate halal foods from non-halal (haram) items in both storage and display. This also extends to beverages and non-food items.
“The passage of Ordinance 715 is a vital step toward ensuring that Muslim residents and visitors can observe their religious dietary laws with confidence,” said Mayor Dalipe. “It also highlights our commitment to fostering a city where cultural diversity is not only respected but actively protected.”
Given that Zamboanga City is a melting pot of cultures, particularly with strong ties to the neighboring island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—where the majority of the population is Muslim—the ordinance is seen as a timely and significant development. The city’s demographics make it crucial to establish clear, respectful practices that honor the traditions and beliefs of all communities.
In addition to segregation measures, the ordinance outlines prohibited acts, including the sale of animals that died from disease or injuries prior to slaughter, the stunning of animals in non-halal (haram) manners, and the improper packaging or mixing of halal and non-halal items.
Penalties for violations are stringent: a P1,000 fine or one-month imprisonment—or both—for the first offense; a P2,000 fine or two-month imprisonment—or both—for the second offense; and a P5,000 fine or three-month imprisonment—or both—with a potential business permit cancellation for a third offense.
To ensure compliance, a Halal-Friendly Task Force will be established, chaired by Mayor Dalipe and composed of key city department heads, representatives from halal certifying bodies, and members of the business sector. The task force will be responsible for monitoring adherence to the ordinance and addressing concerns raised by consumers.
Halal, which means “permissible” in Islam, governs not only food but also products and practices. Meanwhile, haram denotes that which is forbidden, including pork, alcohol, and improperly slaughtered meat.
Through this ordinance, Zamboanga City reaffirms its role as a gateway of cultures in Mindanao—where mutual respect and inclusion form the foundation for peace, progress, and unity.