DA launches halal banner program

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has made the halal industry one of its priority programs as it hopes to get a larger share of the $2.6 trillion global halal industry.

DA recently launched the Halal Food Industry Development Program as one of its  banner programs in collaboration with the Halal Program Management Office.

It is set to initiate measures to grow the industry including enhancing the capabilities and global competitiveness of existing and potential exporters of halal products, processes and services.

“We are serious in boosting the halal industry because we believe it has the economic advantage that will help both Muslim and non-Muslim entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates,” Agriculture Undersecretary for Special Concerns and halal program focal person Ranibai Dilangalen said.

She said the local halal economy is stable and booming since 11 percent of the Philippine population is composed of Muslims.  It is even estimated to increase globally from 1.6 billion to 2.2 billion in 2030.

“The worldwide demand for halal food products is not limited among Muslims but also among non-Muslim consumers especially with the increasing awareness about its health advantages,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said.

The DA will conduct capability-building activities and the establishment of certifying bodies on food safety and halal standards, as well as the conduct of various seminars to create awareness and consciousness among the consuming public.

Halal is an Arabic word for “permissible” and usually applies to food allowed under Islamic law.

While halal has been discussed during the past administrations, the huge and lucrative halal market has not really progressed, preventing the country from tapping the industry’s potential to expand food exports and revitalize agri-fishery agribusiness enterprises.

Having a halal food standard would pave the way for world-class halal food production and processing enterprises that would eventually create employment opportunities for Filipinos, the DA said.