The management of Ace Medical Center located in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa has partnered with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Palawan Field Office paving way to its transformation to become the first Muslim-friendly health care provider in Palawan.
In a statement, the Ace Medical Center announced the inauguration of their Musalla.
“We are pleased to announce the inauguration and opening of our new Islamic Prayer Room (Musalla) here at ACE Medical Center Palawan! This dedicated space is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and providing a supportive environment for everyone. We welcome all Muslim patients, visitors, and staff to use this peaceful space for their prayers,” Ace Medical Center said.
A Musalla is a temporary space specifically designated for prayer, distinct from a permanent masjid (mosque). Its purpose is to provide a clean and accessible location for performing the five daily prayers or special congregational prayers. Musallas can be set up in various places such as in offices, establishments, schools, airports, shopping malls and are not subject to the same sacred laws as a formal mosque.
The NCMF-Palawan on the other hand expressed support to the transformation of ACE Medical Center into Muslim-Friendly Healthcare provider in Palawan.
NCMF Palawan PD Said- Alih K. Sha along with Muslim Scholars (Ulama) Asatidz ,Imam and CEO of Palawan Halal Development Council Inc. (PHDCI) and officials of ACE Medical Center graced the inauguration of Musallah (Muslim Prayer Area) at 7th Floor of the hospital.
PD Said-Alih K. Sha, enlighten the attendees on the importance of Muslim Friendly health care andcommits the support of NCMF for its implemention.
“As our nation continues to embrace diversity, the call for Muslim Friendly establishment becomes more essential.This is not a call for separation but for understanding, not a demand for privilege, but for basic human dignity and cultural respect. For modesty, prayer routines, dietary needs, halal meals and end of life practices are not merely preferences-They are expressions of faith and identity” Sha said.
He explained that any establishment may be qualified to be Muslim- Friendly as long as in compliance with Islamic law and Department of Tourism (DOT) guidelines and recognized by NCMF .To be Muslim friendly – it must be no pork and no dog derivatives and contaminants; Facilities and amenities must be free from contamination of Haram (forbidden acts and materials) wine, unslaughtered meat and condiments with pork enzymes. Halal certified raw materials is required.
Sheikh Abubakar Nasil discussed the importance of Musallah and daily prayer (salah) and its benefits to human who are in suffering from illness and those who are burdened.
Sha explained that the management of Ace Medical Center headed by Dr. Joseph M. Tovera has coordinated with their office and manifested its intention to transform the hospital into a Muslim-friendly healthcare.
Aside from Dr. Tovera who initiated this project, some other Muslim doctors and medical staff of the hospital also supported and help facilitate this initiative.
“Ang isang establishment bago maging isang Muslim friendly dapat may Musallah, may Qibla locator kung saan kami haharap magdasal sa may kanluran or west. Dapat ang pagkain walang pork, totally no contamination non pork kahit hiwalay pa ang lutuan,” he explained.
To make a hospital Muslim-friendly, a facility like Musallah with Qibla direction is of utmost importance. It shall also offer halal food and medicines, train staff in cultural competence and religious practices, ensure gender-appropriate care, and allow for religious observances.
“Musallah pa lang ang na comply nila. Nag apply pa sila for Halal kitchen and commissary at magpapa trained ng medical staff sa Halal Awareness. ACE Medical Center will be the first Muslim friendly health care provider in Palawan,” director Sha further explained.
Partnering with Muslim community help Bridge cultural gaps and ensure that patients’ needs are met, therefore ensuring a respectful and comfortable environment for Muslim patients and their families.
