Hijab-wearing Filipino anchor defies stereotypes in media

Princess Habibah Sarip-Paudac inspires Muslim women to aim for high-profile careers while staying true to their faith.

MANILA, Philippines (MNTV) — Princess Habibah Sarip-Paudac made history in 2012 as the first hijab-wearing news anchor on Philippine national television.

A native of Marawi in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, she broke barriers not only for Muslim women but also for the country’s Muslim minority in mainstream media.

According to Arab News, Sarip-Paudac’s journey began when she auditioned for People’s Television Network (PTV) and won, making her on-air debut on August 8, 2012. 

Her achievement resonated deeply within her community, where she was hailed as a trailblazer for Muslim women in the media.

Although she lacked formal journalism training, Sarip-Paudac learned quickly, mastering news reporting and anchoring. 

Over time, she realized her role extended beyond delivering news. 

As the only Muslim in her newsroom, she often found herself explaining her religion and culture to colleagues, dispelling stereotypes about Islam and her homeland in Mindanao.

Her work extended to hosting Salaam TV and Salaam Radio, platforms dedicated to the Filipino Muslim community. 

Through her media presence, Sarip-Paudac has become a vocal advocate for empowering Muslim women and challenging misconceptions.

Now, she hopes her journey inspires more Muslim women to pursue prominent roles in various fields. 

Her message is simple yet powerful: stay grounded in your faith and identity while striving for excellence.

Sarip-Paudac continues to be a role model, showing that representation matters and that Muslim women can redefine spaces while contributing positively to their communities and beyond.