CAVITE – The local government unit (LGU) of Magallanes held on Tuesday, August 15, a halal regional forum and strategic planning as it explores establishing a halal ecosystem to boost local agri-eco-tourism.

Malaysia's Ambassador to the Philippines Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony, was the guest of honor at the event attended by stakeholders and government agencies.

Halal regional forum with Malaysia's Ambassador to the Philippines Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony (MANILA BULLETIN)

“Some of the notions that some may have is halal is only for Muslims. But this is not the case. In Malaysia, there are many practitioners in the industry who are not Muslims, but they follow the tenets of the industry,” the ambassador said.

He also said that the halal industry has significantly helped Malaysia increase its exports.

Mayor Jasmin Maligaya-Bautista, meanwhile, emphasized the P1.75-trillion global economic opportunity for halal products.

“Halal is not only the culture, it’s not only the religion, but it’s the way of life, it’s the moral way of life,” the mayor said.

“If we adapt this halal way, I think we will be progressive. We will excel not only economically but also morally.”

Topics discussed during the strategic planning included halal basic principles and fundamentals and the Philippine National Halal Certification Scheme.

In June, the LGU held a forum on the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 as it eyes 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 municipal government 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.