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QUEZON CITY — National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim has praised AKBAYAN Party-List Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula for championing a higher fiscal year 2027 budget to boost the agency’s Hajj, Madaris, and Halal programs.
During the House Committee on Appropriations’ hearing on Thursday, August 27, 2026, on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Proposed Budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies, which includes the NCMF by virtue of Executive Order No. 67, series of 2018, Rep. Ismula questioned the reduction in the NCMF’s proposed budget.
She called attention to the funding allocated for Hajj operations, particularly the medical needs of Filipino pilgrims who spend approximately 30 days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the pilgrimage.
She sought clarification on the amount earmarked for medical support, citing concerns over the adequacy of basic medicines and other essential medical requirements for pilgrims.
In response, NCMF Secretary Abdurahim disclosed that under the FY 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), only ₱616,000 was allocated for Hajj medical expenses. Based on the projected 6,000 Filipino pilgrims, this amounts to approximately ₱95 per pilgrim for the entire Hajj period.
Secretary Abdurahim emphasized that the allocation is insufficient to adequately provide for the medical needs of Filipino pilgrims throughout their stay in KSA. He explained that the NCMF has proposed ₱6.1 million in additional funding for Hajj medical expenses under its Tier 2 budget proposals.
“That’s why we need to increase this budget. The NCMF proposes ₱6.1 million to support the medical expenses of our pilgrims, which we included in our Tier 2 budget proposal,” Secretary Abdurahim said.
Rep. Ismula underscored the urgency of closing the funding gap, stressing that ₱95 per pilgrim for a 30-day stay abroad is clearly inadequate to meet the basic medical needs of Filipino pilgrims.
She emphasized that ensuring adequate assistance and protection for Filipino pilgrims is a government responsibility and consistent with the NCMF’s mandate.
𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬
Beyond Hajj medical support, Rep. Ismula asked the NCMF to identify other programs affected by reductions in its proposed FY 2027 budget, opening the discussion on the Commission’s broader Tier 2 funding priorities.
Secretary Abdurahim identified three priority programs that the NCMF is seeking to secure additional funding for:
1. Madaris Program – Additional Recognition for Madrasah: ₱87.5 million, supporting the continuing recognition and development of Madrasah education;
2. Philippine Halal Industry Growth and Muslim Filipino Community Economic Empowerment Program: ₱102.4 million, aimed at strengthening the Philippine Halal industry and expanding economic opportunities for Muslim Filipino communities; and
3. Integrated Hajj Operations Modernization and Service Improvement Program: ₱24.5 million, including the proposed ₱6.1 million additional funding for Hajj medical support.
Secretary Abdurahim emphasized that while the Commission hopes all its Tier 2 proposals will be considered, these three programs constitute the NCMF’s top additional funding priorities for FY 2027, amounting to ₱214.4 million.
“These initiatives are essential to improving the delivery of NCMF programs and services and responding to the priority needs of Muslim Filipino communities,” Secretary Abdurahim said.
𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬’ 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairperson Rep. Arnie B. Fuentebella, who presided over the budget hearing, urged the NCMF to formally submit its additional funding requirements for consideration and expressed support for addressing the needs of Muslim Filipinos.
Rep. Ismula likewise expressed confidence that the NCMF’s requests could be accommodated. (/)