Philippines Attracts PHP2.65 Billion in Halal Investments

Guiapal revealed that the investments from 2023 to 2024 will target several strategic projects across the halal sector. These include:

1. Halal-Friendly Hotel in 2B: A PHP200-million investment will go towards establishing a halal-friendly hotel in Clark, which is expected to cater to the growing number of Muslim tourists and business travelers. This hotel will offer facilities and services adhering to halal standards, including halal-certified food and prayer rooms, making it a significant addition to the country’s tourism infrastructure.
2. Poultry Processing Facility in Tarlac: Another major project involves a PHP350-million poultry processing facility in Tarlac. This state-of-the-art facility will not only meet the rising demand for halal meat but also ensure that the poultry is processed according to strict halal guidelines. This project aims to enhance the local supply chain and improve the quality and availability of halal meat products.
3. Halal Certification for MSMEs: A PHP200-million allocation will be used to provide halal certification for 500 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative is designed to help these businesses meet halal standards, making their products eligible for a broader market, both domestically and internationally. Halal certification is crucial for gaining consumer trust and expanding market reach, particularly in the halal food and beverage sector.
4. Support for Exporting SMEs: The DTI will also allocate PHP100 million to assist SMEs looking to enter international markets and participate in trade missions. This funding will support activities such as trade show participation, market research, and export-related logistics, enabling SMEs to expand their reach and increase their global presence.

Achievements and Future Goals

Guiapal highlighted that, as of the first quarter of the year, the Task Force had already registered PHP32.8 million in sales for halal products across domestic and export markets. This achievement underscores the growing consumer demand for halal products and the sector’s potential for further growth.

Looking forward to 2024, Guiapal expressed optimism about achieving a 20-percent growth in halal sales compared to the previous year. This growth target is supported by the DTI’s strategic plan to enhance the Philippines’ presence in key international halal events. The country plans to participate in prominent showcases such as:

• Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS): One of the largest halal trade shows in the world, MIHAS offers a platform for showcasing halal products and services to a global audience.
• Gulfood: Held in Dubai, Gulfood is one of the largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, attracting significant international attention.
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Halal Expo: This expo focuses on the halal industry in the Middle East, providing opportunities for networking and business development.
• Turkey World Halal Forum: A significant event for global halal stakeholders, the forum covers various aspects of the halal industry, including market trends and innovations.
• Thailand Halal Assembly: This assembly gathers industry leaders to discuss halal market developments and opportunities.
• Events in Abu Dhabi: Additional international events in Abu Dhabi will also be targeted to broaden the Philippines’ reach in the global halal market.

Guiapal emphasized that these international engagements are critical for enhancing the visibility of Philippine halal products and establishing the country as a significant player in the global halal market.

Legislative Support and Economic Impact

During the budget briefing, Rep. Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo from Lanao del Norte’s 1st District advocated for increased support for the local halal industry. Dimaporo highlighted that boosting the halal sector is integral to the government’s poverty alleviation efforts. He pointed out that many poverty indicators are concentrated in Muslim-majority regions, and developing a robust halal industry could play a crucial role in economic upliftment and poverty reduction.

The DTI’s halal blueprint envisions a significant expansion of the country’s halal sector. By 2028, the Philippines aims to double the number of domestically produced halal-certified products and services from 3,000 to 6,000. This ambitious target reflects the country’s commitment to growing its halal industry and capturing a larger share of the global halal market, which is projected to reach USD 7.7 trillion next year.

The strategic plan also includes a target of attracting PHP230 billion in investments for the domestic halal sector and creating 120,000 jobs. These job opportunities will benefit both Muslims and non-Muslims in the Philippines, contributing to overall economic development and social progress.

Enhancing Competitiveness

The DTI’s investment strategy and strategic plan are designed to address several key areas of development in the Philippines Halal sector. By improving infrastructure, supporting MSMEs, and participating in international events, the country aims to enhance the quality and competitiveness of its halal products.

The focus on halal certification for MSMEs is particularly noteworthy. This initiative will help small and medium businesses meet international standards and access global markets, which is essential for expanding the Philippines’ presence in the global halal industry. Additionally, the support for exporting SMEs will provide valuable resources and opportunities for businesses looking to grow beyond domestic borders.

Overall, the Philippines is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for halal products and services. With substantial investments, strategic global participation, and strong legislative support, the country’s halal industry is set for significant growth. The ongoing efforts by the DTI and other stakeholders will be crucial in achieving these goals and ensuring that the Philippines becomes a prominent player in the global halal market.

As the Philippines continues to develop its halal sector, the future looks promising for increased sales, investment, and job creation. The combination of strategic investments, international engagement, and local support will drive the growth of the Philippines Halal industry and contribute to broader economic and social benefits.