Philippines Launches National Halal Office to Strengthen Global Market Presence

What if the Philippines could tap into a $7 trillion global market and become a key player? With the launch of the Philippines National Halal Office (NHIDO), this vision is becoming a reality. This bold move positions the Philippines as a contender in the growing halal economy—an ecosystem that extends beyond food to include fashion, cosmetics, wellness, and tourism. Backed by its rich resources, skilled workforce, and government support, the Philippines is poised to become a major hub for halal products and services worldwide.

With the halal economy now valued at over $7 trillion, the Philippines aims to capture a significant share of this booming sector. The halal industry spans essential sectors such as food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even travel and tourism. The growing demand for halal products is fueled by increasing awareness of ethical consumption, health, and hygiene among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. By launching the NHIDO, the government is building a foundation for sustained growth, job creation, and stronger export capabilities. The Philippines already boasts a robust base of halal-certified products, including coconut oil, baked goods, wellness items, and beauty products that have captured attention in major halal markets like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Why the Philippines Launched the National Halal Office

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation, but its Muslim population of 12 million people provides a strong domestic base for halal production. Recognizing the enormous potential of the global halal economy, the government established the Philippines National Halal Office (NHIDO) to spearhead initiatives that will transform the country into a halal industry powerhouse.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the primary mission of NHIDO is to “propel the Philippines to the forefront of the global halal industry by 2025.” The office will focus on boosting the country’s exports, attracting investments, and increasing job creation. This ambitious goal is supported by key economic targets:

• Doubling the number of halal-certified products and services.

• Generating 120,000 new jobs by 2028.

• Attracting 230 billion pesos ($3.9 billion) in investments for halal industry development.

Dimnatang M. Radia, the DTI’s Halal Industry and Trade Office Program Manager, described the launch of the NHIDO as a “turning point” for the country. According to him, the office will act as a unifying force to transform goals into reality, unlocking opportunities for businesses, creating jobs, and establishing the Philippines as a halal-friendly destination on a global scale.

The Role of the Philippines National Halal Office (NHIDO)

The Philippines National Halal Office serves as the country’s central coordinating body for all halal-related efforts. Its role extends beyond product certification. The NHIDO will lead efforts in marketing, promotion, certification, product development, and capacity-building for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Here are its key responsibilities:

1. Streamlining Halal Certification: The NHIDO will simplify and speed up the halal certification process for local businesses. This move aims to eliminate barriers for Filipino companies seeking to enter lucrative foreign markets, especially those in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA). By working closely with halal certification bodies, the NHIDO ensures that Filipino companies can meet international standards without excessive delays or costs.

2. Nationwide Marketing Campaigns: The NHIDO will launch a “Halal-Friendly Philippines” campaign to raise awareness of the economic potential of halal products. This initiative targets local and international audiences, ensuring that the Philippines becomes a preferred sourcing destination for halal-certified goods. The campaign will showcase the quality and diversity of Filipino halal products, especially at trade expos and exhibitions abroad.

3. Promoting Halal-Friendly Tourism: In addition to promoting products, the NHIDO will position the Philippines as a halal-friendly tourist destination. This effort includes encouraging halal-compliant hotels, food establishments, and travel services to cater to Muslim travelers from around the world. The tourism sector will benefit from upgraded facilities, prayer spaces, and halal-certified dining options, enhancing the country’s attractiveness to Muslim tourists.

4. Capacity Building for SMEs: Filipino SMEs are at the heart of the halal growth strategy. The NHIDO will provide training, financial support, and certification assistance to SMEs, enabling them to enter the global halal supply chain. By empowering local businesses, the NHIDO aims to develop a competitive and inclusive halal industry.

5. International Trade Participation: Participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs is a key priority. The Philippines has already showcased its products at global halal trade shows in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, giving it much-needed visibility and connecting local exporters with international buyers and investors. Future partnerships with major buyers in OIC member countries will further boost export opportunities.

Related: Philippines Aiming To Be More Halal-Friendly

Halal-Certified Products That Are Driving Growth

The Philippines has long been known for its high-quality agricultural products, and now, many of them are gaining recognition in the halal economy. The following products are leading the country’s export growth:

• Coconut Products: The Philippines is one of the world’s leading coconut producers, and its coconut oil, coconut water, and other coconut-based products are in high demand globally. Halal certification opens access to larger markets, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

• Processed Foods: The country’s food processing sector is recognized for its ability to produce baked goods, confectioneries, and ready-to-eat snacks. With halal certification, these items become more attractive to global markets.

• Wellness and Beauty Products: Halal beauty products have witnessed rapid growth in recent years. The Philippines aims to capitalize on this trend by certifying health supplements, skincare products, and cosmetics for export.

For local businesses, the Philippines National Halal Office represents a gateway to new opportunities. SMEs, in particular, stand to gain significantly from this initiative. Here’s how the NHIDO supports Filipino businesses:

1. Certification Assistance: The NHIDO will simplify the process for local manufacturers to obtain halal certification, opening the door to major export markets.

2. Access to Global Markets: By participating in international trade exhibitions, Filipino businesses can secure contracts with buyers from countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

3. Financial Support and Training: Capacity-building programs will equip Filipino entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the halal economy.

The Challenges of Building a Halal Industry

Like any ambitious endeavor, the Philippines faces challenges in growing its halal economy. Some of the biggest hurdles include:

• Certification Bottlenecks: Companies often face lengthy processes and costly fees for obtaining halal certification.

• Limited Awareness: Many Filipino SMEs have limited knowledge of the requirements to produce and market halal-certified products.

• Traceability Issues: Ensuring that halal products are traceable throughout the supply chain is critical, especially for food exports.

To overcome these challenges, the NHIDO is focusing on building partnerships with international halal certification bodies, offering training programs, and ensuring full transparency in the certification process.

Global Impact and the Road Ahead

The Philippines National Halal Office is positioning the country as a leading player in the global halal economy. By 2028, the government aims to double its halal-certified exports, generate 120,000 jobs, and attract billions of pesos in investments.

Through the combined efforts of the NHIDO, local manufacturers, and government bodies like the DTI, the Philippines is carving out a strong position in the global halal market. The strategy is clear: create a halal-friendly Philippines that attracts tourists, investors, and buyers from every corner of the globe.

With a focus on halal-certified products like coconut-based goods, processed foods, wellness items, and beauty products, the Philippines is poised for significant growth in the halal industry. By tapping into its rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and government-backed support, the Philippines is strengthening its position as a leading halal production hub. As demand for halal products continues to surge globally, the Philippines is ready to meet the challenge and seize the opportunity, creating new jobs, fostering SME growth, and driving sustainable economic development for a more prosperous future.