By Francis Allan L. Angelo
The Philippines is strategically positioned to capture a significant share of the trillion-dollar global Halal market, said Trade Secretary Fred Pascual during the third Halal Stakeholders Consultation Forum on June 10.
“Our goal is to create a robust ecosystem for investment, certification, and training, with the potential to generate PHP120 million in investments, create 120,000 jobs, and achieve a 20% increase in Halal exports of products and services within the next five years,” Pascual said.
A notable development at the forum was the finalization of a proposed partnership with Brunei Darussalam. This partnership aims to reduce technical barriers to trade and investment in Halal food products and services, enhance bilateral cooperation, and foster investments and business partnerships.
DTI Halal Industry Development Office Director Aleen Siddiqui Guiapal highlighted recent milestones, including a PHP2 billion Halal-friendly hotel in Clark City and a PHP350 million poultry facility in Tarlac, emphasizing the country’s potential to become a major player in the global Halal market.
The DTI has also streamlined the Halal certification process by recognizing internationally accredited certification bodies. The initiative has enabled the integration of Philippine Halal-certified products into new markets such as the UAE and Canada.
Domestically, the International Food Expo (IFEX) 2024 saw 13 companies generate PHP26 million in export sales, underscoring the growing demand for Philippine Halal products.
“By leveraging our demographic strengths and fostering partnerships in Halal banking, infrastructure, logistics, and technology, we are poised to create a vibrant and sustainable Halal industry that drives economic growth and celebrates our cultural heritage,” Pascual added.
The forum also promoted stronger interagency collaboration with key government agencies, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
Attendees included Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar, Department of Health Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr., Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan, DAR Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Executive Director Tahir Lidasan Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs Office of International Economic Relations Executive Director Maria Louella Duarte, Department of Science and Technology Regional Director Emelita Bagsit, Halal Export Board member Coyogan Bansao, and TESDA Assistant Executive Director Katherine Amor Zarsadias.
