Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized that synergy between all sectors is essential to develop the Philippine Halal industry, in order to reach the P230 billion global and local halal trade and investments target by 2028.
“So, we can unlock our Halal ecosystem's potential, it is crucial to synchronize our efforts. Enhancing awareness, bolstering infrastructure, nurturing capacity, and establishing firm regulatory frameworks are the pillars of our progress,” he said in his speech during the “Halal-Friendly Quezon City Trade Fair” on April 24.
While the DTI is important to create policies to shape the industry, he remarked that the private sector plays a highly pivotal role in “driving innovation, investment, and market expansion,” citing both large and small businesses’ “entrepreneurial spirit and pursuit of excellence” in diversifying Halal products and enhancing product quality.
He also mentioned the significant inclusion of the civil society, the academe, and donor agencies that share their expertise, research, education, and resources to capacitate the industry.
“In essence, collaboration is the linchpin of our journey. By uniting the strengths of each sector, we can surmount obstacles, grasp opportunities, and achieve a vibrant and inclusive Halal industry,” remarked Pascual.
Halal is a thriving industry in the country, with $120 million worth of Philippine Halal imports recorded in 2023, attesting to the surging demand for Halal products and services.
In the Philippines, Halal is more than a practice. "It holds immense potential to drive economic development and inclusive growth. Rooted in cultural heritage and religious principles, Halal practices shape diverse aspects of production, trade, and consumption, catering to the needs and preferences of Muslim consumers worldwide. But this time, just coming up very fast in welcoming all people,” said Pascual.
Through the “Halal Friendly Philippines” initiative, the government aims to generate 120,000 new jobs in the halal sector aside from the planned investments.
However, there are challenges such as lack of awareness and education, infrastructure and capacity, compliance, market integration, and regulatory environment that currently impede the domestic Halal ecosystem.
In terms of the regulatory environment, Pascual said the DTI is committed to “refining our regulatory frameworks to ensure consistency and build confidence in our Halal market.”
In terms of promotion, the agency is supporting events such as the Halal Trade Fair to drive interest and kindle investments in Halal products. The Quezon City fair, particularly, aimed to showcase diverse Halal products, provide business matching and networking opportunities between investors, retailers, and consumers, as well as boost the broader appeal of Halal products to the mass market.
“I call upon each of you to champion our MSMEs (micro, small, medium enterprises) and to support the integration of Halal-certified products into the mainstream. By doing so, we champion the boundless potential of our people and fuel our nation's trajectory toward a future of prosperity and inclusiveness,” Pascual said.