Manila: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque is urging Malaysia's halal certifying body, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), to establish a halal certification authority in the Philippines this year to enhance the local halal industry.
According to Philippines News Agency, Roque recently met with Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and representatives from JAKIM to discuss aligning the country's halal sector with international standards. The meeting, highlighted in a Facebook post by the DTI, took place on Monday, focusing on creating opportunities for Filipino products in international markets.
Roque emphasized that establishing a recognized halal certifying body in the Philippines would facilitate new opportunities for Filipino products abroad. She also called on JAKIM to assist in promoting Philippine halal products on the global stage.
She further stated, "With public and private partnerships, we can expect to ensure the support needed for the halal sector to flourish." Roque highlighted the importance of the halal industry as a priority sector for the DTI, noting the backing of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for initiatives aimed at boosting halal enterprises.
Roque commented on the president's support, stating, "We take advantage of the support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the halal industry. He has remaining three years and we should take advantage of the support he is giving."
Last year, the DTI introduced the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan with the goal of doubling halal output by 2028. The initiative aims for about 6,000 halal-certified products and services in the Philippines over the next three years. By increasing the number of halal-certified offerings, the DTI seeks to expand the country's involvement in the global halal industry, valued at USD7.7 trillion this year.
The strategic plan outlines goals of attracting PHP230 billion in investments for the domestic halal industry and creating 120,000 new jobs.
