CAVITE – The local government unit (LGU) of Magallanes is exploring the establishment of a halal ecosystem in the municipality to boost local agri-eco-tourism.
To encourage discussion ahead of its halal program strategic planning, the municipal government held a forum on the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 at the Municipal Multipurpose Hall on Tuesday, June 6.
Photo from Magallanes LGU (MANILA BULLETIN)
Among the forum participants were Philippine Trade Training Center Deputy Executive Director Dimnatang Radia, Department of Trade and Industry Export and Marketing Bureau Halal Secretariat Head Datubimban Pangonotan Jr., Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board Member Paramount Sultan Faizal Benaning Bansao, and Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines President Pierre Carlo Curay.
During her speech streamed live via Facebook, Mayor Jasmin Maligaya-Bautista said the idea of building a halal slaughterhouse in the municipality was first introduced to the LGU in 2019. Upon reviewing the proposal, she came to appreciate the ethical side of the halal trade.
Photo from Magallanes LGU (MANILA BULLETIN)
“Nakita ko po kung gaano ka-humane, kung gaano ka-honest ang paggawa nila, at pagbibigay nila nang importansya sa mga negosyo (I saw how humane it is, how honest it is, and how they give importance to businesses). So they’re not only doing business, they’re doing it right and they’re doing it ethically,” the mayor said.
“We dream of becoming an agriculture investment and promotion town in the country – not only in the province of Cavite, but in the country.”
The municipal government is eyeing the construction of various components that will make up a halal ecosystem, including a slaughterhouse, a chicken slaughterhouse and dressing plant, a cold storage facility, and an agri-hub.
The LGU plans to cater to the domestic halal market initially before eventually expanding to the international halal market. Through the project, the municipal government hopes to provide employment and boost local tourism, agriculture, economy, and infrastructure.
Municipal Administrator Kristine B. Mangubat-Abeleda told the Manila Bulletin that strategic planning for the project would likely start by the third quarter of 2023.