The focus is now on ‘experiential tourism’, with halal and Islamic traditions as part of the important products of the Philippines’ tourism.
This was emphasized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his third State of the Nation Address on Monday.
Citing that the tourism challenge has already evolved and now requires a multi-faceted strategy, the President said: “We, in the Philippines, have no less than seven thousand six hundred forty-one (7,641) beautiful reasons to tap the potential of our tourism sector, for which our archipelagic nation is internationally renowned and from which many Filipinos derive their livelihood.”
“The tourism challenge has already evolved, and now requires a multi-faceted strategy. The focus is now on experiential tourism.
“Food, culture, heritage and the arts, education, halal and Islamic traditions, dive, cruise, farm and eco-tourism, even sports, now have become potent subjects and products of a nation’s tourism.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is eyeing to position the Philippines as halal-friendly hub of Asia-Pacific.
The Marcos administration is looking to attract up to P230 billion worth of investments in the Philippines’ halal industry as part of its plan to make the country a “halal-friendly hub” for the entire Asia-Pacific region, the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan 2023-2028 published by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, the comprehensive Halal strategic plan aims to tap into the economic potential of the Halal industry that is poised to double domestic and international output by 2028.
In January this year, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual who also chairs the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board launched the ‘HALAL-FRIENDLY PHILIPPINES’ campaign.
This national initiative aspires to establish the Philippines as a customer-focused, collaborative, comprehensive, and competitive Halal gateway and destination in the Asia-Pacific.
To boost the Philippine economy, the Halal strategic plan is envisioned to: (1) increase Halal output for domestic consumption and exports by expanding and recognizing Halal-certifying bodies; (2) launch a unified, whole-of-government national brand to promote the Philippines as the fastest-growing and most Halal-friendly hub in the Asia Pacific; (3) create a one-stop shop to link all stakeholders and ensure synchronized efforts; (4) develop a comprehensive Halal value chain through regional development, institutionalized knowledge management, skills matching and upskilling, investment promotions, and capacity building.
Under this strategic plan, government agencies are committed to double Halal output to 6,000, attracting PHP 230 billion in investments, and generate 120,00 jobs over the next four years.
Additionally, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual has also been promoting Halal Friendly Philippines across the globe and in the various regions in the Philippines. Currently, DTI Chief of Staff Undersecretary Carol P. Sanchez, together with Halal Industry Development PMO Aleem Guiapal and Dimnatang Radia is in Iligan City with DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar to promote for the Halal Friendly Iligan City Pakaradiya-an Festival and Trade scheduled to runbetween 23-27 July 2024 at Robinsons Place Iligan City.