Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

The halal industry is an often overlooked and underutilized industry that I really believe can contribute greatly to the economy if only we realized its full potential.

This has always been an advocacy close to my heart. Aside from the fact that I am Muslim and, therefore, conscious of the need for halal food, I have been keen on developing this industry to boost the economy, knowing the value of the halal market and its potential impact on our growth.

Imagine: The global halal market is projected to grow from around $2.4 trillion in 2024 to an astounding $4.5 trillion by 2030. In fact, this is a modest projection as the World Halal Union projects that the global halal industry will reach $8 trillion while other sources say it may even reach $10 trillion by 2030.

This is why I really pushed to make the Philippines known as a halal-friendly hub in the Asia Pacific region. In the FY2026 National Expenditure Program, we allocated ₱74 million for the Halal Food Industry Development Program of the Department of Agriculture. We also invested ₱103 million to support the Philippine Halal Industry Development Program of the Department of Trade and Industry, a significant 47.1 percent increase from the ₱70 million allocation under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act.

I also proposed to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno the development of a Halal Town in Manila, envisioned to become a modern halal and cultural hub in Quiapo to promote cultural harmony, generate jobs, and boost tourism. This development would be alongside the restoration of the Quiapo Golden Mosque. Considering that Quiapo is known for the Catholic Church’s National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, having Halal Town there as well would symbolize unity amidst diversity. From an economic standpoint, this would also open up opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

I hope that these programs can continue. I was reminded of these when the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recognized me for my efforts to promote the halal industry at the Islamic Finance Conference last Feb. 3. Masha Allah, Alhamdullilah! Thank you to Sheikh Sabuddin N. Abdurahim and the NCMF for this recognition. I assure you that even as Citizen Mina, I will continue to promote the halal industry. After all, I will always be a dutiful daughter of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

As the Philippines chairs the ASEAN this year, I hope that this can also be another emphasis, especially considering that the ASEAN itself was estimated to have over 250 million halal consumers in 2023 with ASEAN Member States having established hubs that provide infrastructure, facilities, and services to support halal businesses.

Beyond budget, let's continue to pursue all efforts to maximize this underserved industry. Let's continue to make halal products more accessible and the Philippine halal industry more competitive! This is a key to making the Philippines improve in terms of trade and tourism. If we do it right, I believe we can become a real halal hub in Southeast Asia, insha Allah!