The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), a key member of the Halal Export and Promotions Board (HEPB), recently hosted a crucial Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting focused on advancing the recognition and accreditation of Halal certification bodies in the Philippines.
The meeting, held in collaboration with various government agencies and stakeholders, aimed to enhance the country’s Halal industry, addressing key developments and initiatives to support growth in multiple sectors.
Atty. Arifa IBSG of the BSP welcomed the members of the Halal Board and other participants, highlighting the importance of creating a robust framework for Halal certification in the Philippines.
The meeting also provided updates on a wide range of initiatives to strengthen the Philippine Halal industry, with contributions from multiple government entities.
Key sectors discussed included Muslim-friendly tourism through the Department of Tourism (DOT), Halal vaccines by the Department of Health (DOH), Halal kitchen standards in hospitals (collaboration between DOH and DOT), and Halal production led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and manufacturing initiatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Additionally, Islamic banking efforts, supported by BSP, were highlighted as a critical area of focus for the country’s Halal sector development.
The meeting also delved into Halal testing, audit, and capacity-building programs under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as well as partnerships with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for further industry collaboration. The initiatives aimed to connect the various Halal-related programs across the government, including those in foreign posts (through the Department of Foreign Affairs), Trade and Economic Missions** (DTI), and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos’ Halal Manual.
The TWG session also emphasized the role of other agencies such as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), TESDA, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), all of which are key stakeholders in the development of the Halal sector.
The ongoing collaboration among these agencies and the private sector aims to establish the Philippines as a global leader in the Halal market, fostering greater opportunities for exporters, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and other stakeholders in the Halal ecosystem. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude to all stakeholders involved in advancing the Halal industry.
The event marked another significant step towards the Philippines’ goal of enhancing its Halal industry and positioning it as a key player in the global market, with a clear focus on inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration.
