The Department of Trade and Industry in Bicol (DTI-5) is urging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to focus on promoting and developing halal products.
This initiative aims to create more opportunities and attract tourists, particularly from Muslim countries.
The “Halal-Friendly Bicol Region” initiative was launched at the Pepperland Hotel on Wednesday. DTI-5 Regional Director Dindo Nabol announced plans for a series of training sessions and promotional activities for at least 20 MSME owners across the six provinces in the region to foster the halal industry.
“We’re kicking off with this launch and embarking on intense promotion for the halal industry. We have a lineup of MSMEs set to benefit from this project, and we’ve partnered with other agencies to ensure the program’s success. Expect to see significant developments in the coming days,” Nabol stated.
In addition to MSMEs, DTI-5 is also encouraging restaurant owners to seek halal certification.
“Our Muslim brothers often struggle to find restaurants offering halal food when they visit. We’re urging tourism-related establishments to begin offering halal products and services,” Nabol added in Filipino.
Nabol emphasized that halal-friendly products and services are not just for the Muslim community but for all Filipinos.
“Halal is about the proper, neat, and decent preparation of food, ensuring it is safe to consume. This standard benefits everyone, not just Muslims in Bicol but all Bicolanos,” he explained.
DTI-5 is collaborating with Prime Group, a UAE-based halal-certifying body, for sample product testing.
