By Department of Trade and Industry, Kate Bondoc / Trade and Investments Promotion Group
THE Philippines is now ready to join the $3.2-trillion global halal market after the Philippine Halal Export and Development Promotion Board, led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), adopted on July 26 the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10817, or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016.
“As the implementing rules and regulations are now in place, all member-agencies of the Halal Board will collectively develop and implement an integrated Philippine halal-export development and promotion road map. The DTI will beef up development and promotional activities for the Philippine halal-export sector which will open new economic opportunities for the country, and ultimately unlock the gateway for an all-inclusive growth through Halal export-related trade and investments activities. Purposively, we will cascade these prospects to benefit primarily the Mindanao region,” Trade Secretary and Philippine Halal Export Board Chairman Ramon M. Lopez said.
The IRR on Philippine halal exports, which establishes the foundation for the implementation of the law, is seen as an instrument to establish the strategic development of the Philippine halal ecosystem, positioning the country to become a major player in the lucrative global halal market.
The IRR covers the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive Philippine Halal Export Industry Development and Promotion Program that will increase the export, sale and provision of halal products, processes and services, aside from ensuring a more competitive Philippine halal-export program through research and product development, quality-assurance measures and value-adding mechanisms.
Behind the signing of the IRR on Philippine halal exports is the breakthrough convergence of the government agencies mandated to work together toward the development and promotion of Philippine halal-certified products and services.
The Philippine Halal Board members include the DTI; the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; the departments of Agriculture, Health; Science and Technology; Foreign Affairs and the Tourism; the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; and the Mindanao Development authority.
The DTI, through its Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), has set up its Halal Section dedicated to conducting capacity-building activities for and among halal stakeholders. It also provides necessary assistance to local halal-certifying bodies about the dynamics of the new Philippine halal law.
“DTI’s primary role is to promote the sector and ensure that Philippine manufacturers are ready to take part in the global halal-value chain and ensure compliance with international standards,” EMB Director Senen M. Perlada said.
The DTI aims to make the Philippines an active player in the regional and international markets for halal. A national strategic planning for Philippine Halal 2022 will involve regional and national government agencies, Muslim religious leaders, the private sector and consumers. High on its agenda is the harmonization of existing government projects and programs for the halal sector.
