JAKIM to Establish World-Class Halal Certification Body in the Philippines

Ever wondered how a label unlocks a multi-trillion dollar market? In the Philippines, a potential game-changer is brewing for businesses eyeing global Halal demand. Imagine Filipino products gaining worldwide Halal recognition – exciting, right? The Philippines is exploring a partnership with Malaysia’s JAKIM to establish a World-Class Halal Certification system. This isn’t just a stamp; it’s about global trade access and major economic growth. Let’s explore what this means for the Philippines and the Halal world.

Related: Philippines Enhances Halal Certification to Attract More Muslim Tourists

Philippines and JAKIM Explore Partnership for Halal Certification

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque recently announced this promising development through a social media post, highlighting a meeting with JAKIM representatives. The discussions centered around the possibility of JAKIM, a globally recognized authority in Halal certification, lending its expertise to the Philippines. This collaboration holds the promise of not only streamlining the Halal certification process within the archipelago but also elevating its standards to meet international benchmarks, thereby fostering greater acceptance of Filipino Halal products in the global marketplace.

The establishment of a World-Class Halal Certification body in the Philippines, potentially with JAKIM’s guidance, carries a multitude of potential advantages for local businesses. Sectors such as food and beverage, a natural fit for Halal compliance, stand to gain considerably. Beyond food, the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, increasingly recognizing the demand for Halal-certified products, could also experience a significant boost. A credible and internationally recognized certification system can open doors to lucrative export markets, allowing Filipino enterprises to tap into the growing global appetite for Halal goods.

Secretary Roque emphasized that the involvement of a foreign agency like JAKIM would be instrumental in providing not just certification but also crucial training and vital market access to Filipino businesses. Navigating the complexities of international Halal standards and understanding the requirements of different importing countries can be a significant hurdle for local producers. JAKIM’s experience and global reputation could provide invaluable guidance, simplifying the process and building trust among international buyers. This enhanced market access, coupled with rigorous certification, is expected to significantly improve the Philippines’ overall competitiveness in the global Halal arena.

Furthermore, this potential partnership is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen trade ties with neighboring Malaysia, a nation with a well-established and respected Halal industry. Closer collaboration in this sector could pave the way for broader economic cooperation and foster stronger bilateral relationships. The Philippines, with its significant Muslim population and strategic location within Southeast Asia, has the potential to become a key player in the regional and global Halal supply chain.

“This partnership is a significant step toward boosting the Philippines’ role in the global Halal economy,” Secretary Roque aptly stated, underscoring the strategic importance of this initiative. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) further clarified that any Halal Certification Body (HCB) established with JAKIM’s involvement would adhere to globally recognized and international standards. This commitment to quality and consistency is paramount in building trust and ensuring the widespread acceptance of Filipino Halal certifications.

Philippines Elevate Halal Certification Standards with JAKIM Collaboration

Currently, the Philippines has a number of accredited Halal Certification Bodies, with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) listing twelve such organizations on its website. These bodies play a vital role in examining both food and non-food products to ensure they comply with Sharia Law, making them permissible for consumption or use by Muslims. While these local HCBs serve an important function, a collaboration with a globally recognized entity like JAKIM could elevate the entire Halal certification ecosystem in the Philippines, bringing in international best practices and potentially streamlining processes.

While the discussions between the Philippines and JAKIM are still in the exploratory phase, Secretary Roque has set an ambitious goal, challenging the agency to realize its aspiration of establishing a World-Class Halal Certification body within the current year. This reflects the urgency and the strong desire within the Philippine government to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global Halal market.

“With public and private partnerships, we can expect to ensure the support needed for the halal sector to flourish,” added Secretary Roque, highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach involving both government agencies and private sector stakeholders. She also encouraged investors, such as JAKIM, to take advantage of the strong support being provided by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the Halal industry.

Recognizing the limited timeframe of the current administration, Secretary Roque emphasized the need for swift action, stating, “He has remaining 3 years and we should advantage of the support he is giving,” referring to President Marcos’ term ending in 2028. This sense of urgency underscores the government’s commitment to making significant strides in developing the Halal sector within the next few years.

Marketing Muscle and Strategic Vision for Philippine Halal Growth

Beyond just certification, Secretary Roque is also advocating for JAKIM’s potential involvement in assisting with the marketing of local Halal products. A globally recognized certification mark can act as a powerful marketing tool, enhancing the visibility and credibility of Filipino products in international markets. The aim is for Halal certification from a reputable body to have a “multiplier effect,” driving not only exports but also attracting investment and creating employment opportunities within the Philippines.

JAKIM, on its part, has expressed its readiness to open new market opportunities for Filipino products within the expansive global Halal industry. This mutual interest and commitment from both sides bodes well for the potential success of this collaboration.

The Philippine government’s focus on the Halal sector is further evidenced by the launch of the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan last year. This ambitious plan, spanning from 2023 to 2028, outlines a clear roadmap for transforming the Philippines into a premier Halal hub in the Asia-Pacific region. The targets set within the plan are substantial, aiming for a potential ₱230 billion in trade and investments and the creation of 120,000 jobs by the end of President Marcos’ term. The potential partnership with JAKIM and the establishment of a World-Class Halal Certification body are crucial components in achieving these ambitious goals.

To truly understand the significance of this potential collaboration, it’s essential to delve deeper into the dynamics of the global Halal market and the role of effective certification systems.

The Expanding Universe of the Global Halal Market

The global Halal market is no longer confined to just food products. It has evolved into a diverse ecosystem encompassing a wide array of goods and services that adhere to Islamic principles. This includes Halal finance, tourism, fashion, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even media and entertainment. The growth of this market is driven by several factors, including a growing global Muslim population, increasing awareness and demand for ethical and Sharia-compliant products, and the recognition of Halal standards as a mark of quality and safety, even among non-Muslim consumers.

Estimates vary, but the global Halal market is valued in the trillions of US dollars and is projected for continued robust growth in the coming years. This presents a significant economic opportunity for countries like the Philippines that are strategically positioned to tap into this demand. The Asia-Pacific region, with its large Muslim populations in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, represents a key market for Halal products. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region also remains a significant consumer base. Furthermore, there is increasing demand for Halal products in Western countries with growing Muslim communities and a rising interest in ethical and sustainably sourced goods.

The Critical Role of Halal Certification

At the heart of the Halal market lies the crucial process of Halal certification. This process ensures that products and services meet the stringent requirements of Islamic law. For food products, this involves verifying the source of ingredients, the methods of processing and handling, and ensuring the absence of any non-Halal substances such as pork and alcohol. For non-food items like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, certification involves scrutinizing the ingredients and manufacturing processes to confirm they are free from Haram (forbidden) substances.

A credible and reliable Halal certification system is essential for several reasons:

• Consumer Trust: Muslim consumers rely on Halal certification to make informed purchasing decisions, ensuring that the products they consume or use align with their religious beliefs. A trustworthy certification mark provides assurance and builds confidence.
• Market Access: In many Muslim-majority countries and regions with significant Muslim populations, Halal certification is a mandatory requirement for importing and selling food and other products. Without proper certification, businesses cannot access these lucrative markets.
• Standardization and Quality: Reputable Halal certification bodies adhere to internationally recognized standards, ensuring a certain level of quality and consistency in the products they certify. This can enhance the overall reputation of Halal products.
• Preventing Fraud and Mislabeling: A robust certification system helps to prevent fraudulent claims and mislabeling of products as Halal, protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the Halal market.

JAKIM: A Global Leader in Halal Certification

Malaysia’s JAKIM is widely recognized as a global leader and a benchmark for Halal certification. Established under the Prime Minister’s Department, JAKIM has developed a comprehensive and well-respected Halal certification system that is accepted in numerous countries around the world. Its rigorous standards, transparent processes, and commitment to Islamic principles have earned it international acclaim.

JAKIM’s expertise extends beyond just issuing certifications. The agency is also actively involved in research, training, and developing Halal standards. Its influence has shaped the global Halal landscape, and its certification mark is highly valued by both consumers and businesses.

The potential collaboration with JAKIM offers the Philippines a unique opportunity to leverage this vast experience and knowledge. By working with JAKIM, the Philippines can:

1. Adopt Best Practices: Learn from JAKIM’s established procedures and adopt international best practices in Halal certification.
2. Enhance Credibility: Benefit from JAKIM’s global reputation, making Filipino Halal certifications more readily accepted internationally.
3. Develop Local Expertise: Gain access to JAKIM’s training programs to develop a pool of skilled Halal auditors and professionals within the Philippines.
4. Streamline Processes: Potentially streamline the Halal certification process for Filipino businesses, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and costs.

The Philippines’ Halal Industry

The Philippines has a significant Muslim population, primarily concentrated in the southern regions of Mindanao. While the country has been making efforts to develop its Halal industry, it is still in a relatively nascent stage compared to neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. The existence of twelve accredited Halal Certification Bodies indicates a foundational infrastructure, but there is a clear opportunity to enhance the standardization, recognition, and overall capacity of the Philippine Halal certification system.

The Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan 2023-2028 reflects the government’s commitment to realizing the country’s potential as a major player in the global Halal market. The ambitious targets for trade, investment, and job creation underscore the economic significance that the government attaches to this sector.

The potential partnership with JAKIM aligns perfectly with the goals of this strategic plan. By establishing a World-Class Halal Certification body, the Philippines can address key challenges and capitalize on its strengths:

• Leveraging Geographic Location: The Philippines’ strategic location in Southeast Asia positions it well to serve both regional and international Halal markets.
• Abundant Natural Resources: The country has a rich agricultural and marine resource base, providing a strong foundation for Halal food production.
• Growing Muslim Population: A significant domestic Muslim population provides a built-in consumer base and a source of talent for the Halal industry.
• Government Support: The strong support from President Marcos’ administration and the initiatives of the DTI demonstrate a clear commitment to developing the Halal sector.

The potential collaboration between the Philippines and JAKIM to establish a World-Class Halal Certification body isn’t just a minor development; it’s a bold step with far-reaching implications. Imagine the doors opening for Filipino entrepreneurs, their Halal-certified goods reaching consumers across the globe, fueling economic growth, and creating new opportunities. This isn’t just about adhering to standards; it’s about embracing a significant global market and positioning the Philippines as a key player in the Halal economy for years to come. The journey might be in its early stages, but the potential rewards for the Philippines and the wider Halal world are truly immense.