DTI Drives Philippines’ Rise in Global Halal Market at 7th Philippine National Halal Conference

The 7th Philippine National Halal Conference 2024, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was a landmark event that showcased the Philippines’ growing ambition to become a dominant force in the global Halal market. Held from November 14 to 15, 2024, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the event drew local and international stakeholders, government officials, industry leaders, and Halal certification bodies under one roof to discuss, strategize, and shape the future of the country’s Halal industry.

With the theme, “Your Gateway to the Fast-Growing Halal in the Asia-Pacific Region,” the conference highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to boosting its Halal-certified product exports, strengthening its position as a Halal tourism destination, and streamlining Halal certification processes to meet international regulatory standards. This year’s event also emphasized the Philippines’ desire to double its Halal-certified products from 3,000 to 6,000 by 2028, generate 120,000 new jobs, and attract PHP 230 billion in investments.

7th Philippine National Halal Conference

The Philippine National Halal Conference is more than a gathering of industry professionals—it’s a platform that catalyzes growth and change. As global demand for Halal-certified products and services continues to rise, the Philippines aims to tap into this lucrative opportunity. With the global Halal industry projected to be worth $5 trillion by 2025, the conference serves as a launchpad for the country’s Halal exporters and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to secure their place in the international market.

The primary goals of the conference were to:

• International Competitiveness: Position the Philippines as a trusted supplier of Halal-certified products and services to key markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

• Foreign Investment: Leverage partnerships with foreign investors to increase Halal-related investments in the country, targeting PHP 230 billion in investment by 2028.

• Halal-Certified Products: Increase the number of Halal-certified Philippine products from 3,000 to 6,000 by 2028, thereby enhancing the range of products eligible for export.

• Certification Standards: Establish a more streamlined Halal certification process that aligns with international guidelines, making it easier for Philippine exporters to access foreign markets.

• Halal Tourism Sector: Position the Philippines as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) leading efforts to make the country more attractive to Muslim tourists.

Keynote Speakers

The conference was graced by some of the most influential leaders from government, private industry, and international organizations. Their presence signified the global importance of the event and its agenda.

1. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

   • Key Message: “Investing in the Halal industry is investing in a Philippine economy that is resilient, diverse, and sustainable.”
   • Secretary Pangandaman highlighted the strategic importance of investing in the Halal sector to diversify the Philippine economy. She also urged stakeholders to seize the opportunity presented by the fast-growing $5 trillion global Halal industry.

2. Senator Mark Villar

   • Key Message: Highlighted the role of the Philippines’ 12 million Muslim population as a driving force for the local Halal sector.
   • Senator Villar stressed the potential of the Halal industry to boost tourism by catering to Muslim travelers, who accounted for 5.4 million visits in 2023. He promised to work with industry leaders and stakeholders to make the Philippines a leading Halal tourism hub.

3. DTI Officials and International Delegates

   • Representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and key Halal certification bodies such as the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP) participated in the conference.

Major Announcements at the 7th Philippine National Halal Conference

• Launch of the Strategic Plan (2023-2028)

The most significant outcome of the event was the unveiling of the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan (2023-2028). This ambitious plan sets clear, measurable goals for the country’s Halal industry over the next five years.

Key Targets of the Strategic Plan:

1. Double the number of Halal-certified products from 3,000 to 6,000 by 2028
2. Create 120,000 new jobs in the Halal industry
3. Attract PHP 230 billion in new investments
4. Establish the Philippines as a leading Halal export hub in Southeast Asia

• Halal Verification Laboratories (HVLs)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled the establishment of Halal Verification Laboratories (HVLs). These facilities provide critical services to verify the Halal status of food, cosmetics, and other consumer products. The HVLs ensure that products are compliant with global Halal standards, a crucial step for export-readiness.

Services Provided by the HVLs:

1. Nutritional analysis to verify product content
2. Microbiological testing to detect pathogens
3. Chemical analysis to ensure no traces of non-Halal substances
4. Porcine DNA testing to detect pork-derived ingredients

These facilities will also support local producers in ensuring their products meet the requirements of Halal importers in the Middle East, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

• Halal Certification Processes

Another pivotal aspect of the conference was the panel discussion on certification harmonization. Six key certification bodies in the Philippines took part, including:

1. Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines (HICCIP)
2. Mindanao Halal Authority (MinHA)
3. Halal Development Institute of the Philippines (HDIP)
4. Philippine Ulama Congress Organization, Inc. (PUCOI)
5. Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP)
6. Prime Certification and Inspection Asia Pacific, Inc.

This move is intended to reduce confusion among exporters, strengthen local certification standards, and ensure alignment with the certification standards of major Halal markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, and GCC countries.

• Halal-Friendly Tourism Campaign

The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced its goal of establishing the Philippines as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination. As part of this initiative, DOT plans to:

1. Certify Muslim-friendly hotels
2. Provide specialized training for tourism professionals
3. Install prayer rooms at tourist hubs

This strategy aims to increase the Philippines’ attractiveness to Muslim travelers, further boosting the country’s tourism revenues.

Economic Impact of the Philippine Halal Industry

The growth of the Halal industry is projected to have a significant impact on the Philippine economy. The industry touches several key sectors, including:

1. Agriculture and Livestock: Export of Halal-certified poultry, meat, and produce
2. Tourism and Hospitality: Increase in Muslim tourists due to Halal-certified accommodations
3. Food and Beverage (F&B): Expansion of Halal-certified packaged food and consumer goods

With over 12 million Filipino Muslims and a growing demand for ethical consumption globally, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to become a key supplier of Halal products to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The 7th Philippine National Halal Conference 2024 was a monumental event that reinforced the Philippines’ ambition to be a global leader in the Halal industry. The strategic goals outlined in the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan 2023-2028 are both bold and achievable, focusing on product certification, tourism, agribusiness, and financial inclusion.

The combined efforts of DTI, DOST, DA, BSP, and DOT are expected to drive innovation, create 120,000 jobs, and boost Halal-related exports. The introduction of Halal Verification Laboratories and the harmonization of certification bodies will ensure that Philippine products meet international Halal standards, paving the way for greater participation in the $5 trillion global Halal market.

By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the Philippines is poised to become a major exporter of Halal food, cosmetics, and tourism services in the region. Through effective implementation of the strategic plan, the country is on track to establish itself as a leader in the Asia-Pacific Halal market.

With the support of industry stakeholders, government agencies, and foreign investors, the future of Halal in the Philippines is brighter than ever.