The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has gained widespread support from stakeholders across the region for its Bangsamoro Halal Industry Development Plan (BHIDP) 2024-2028, which aims to establish a sustainable and competitive Halal industry.
Consultations held on October 28 and 30 in mainland and island provinces underscored the importance of the framework in advancing BARMM’s Halal sector and aligning it with the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), with a focus on agro-industry and fisheries.
Minister of Trade, Investment, and Tourism and Bangsamoro Halal Board Chair Abuamri Taddik emphasized that the development of the Halal industry supports both the faith-based values and economic aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
“This Halal development encompasses not only the food we eat but also other products and services within our region, which could further boost our economy and enhance the lives of our people,” Taddik said.
The BHIDP targets several priority sectors, including food, finance, tourism and travel, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, media, and modest fashion, aiming to build a comprehensive Halal ecosystem across the region.
Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama highlighted BARMM’s strategic location as a prime asset, noting the rising demand for Halal products in BIMP-EAGA.
“Developing a robust Halal industry means investing in our region’s economic future, enhancing access to quality Halal-certified food, and elevating our community’s well-being,” he said.
The consultations attracted participation from over 150 representatives from ministries, consumer groups, businesses, academia, certifying bodies, and religious groups across BARMM provinces, including Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Marawi and Cotabato.
The Technical Working Group of BHIDP will incorporate insights gathered from these discussions to finalize the plan.
Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Director Melanie Indar pointed to BARMM’s unique position to capitalize on the Halal market, stating,
“This consultation is a critical step toward coordinating a comprehensive Halal Industry Development Plan that will empower local producers, explore export potential, and generate job opportunities across our region.”
Executive Director Abdul Hanna Tago of the Bangsamoro Federal Business Council (BFBC) underscored BARMM’s advantages, citing its political autonomy, geographic resources, educated workforce, and strong ties with Muslim-majority nations as key factors that could enable it to become a significant player in the global Halal market.
Global trends underscore the growing demand for Halal products, with Islamic finance valued at $3.6 trillion, food and beverages at $1.2 trillion, and other sectors including media, tourism, and cosmetics showing substantial growth. The BHIDP aligns BARMM’s ambitions with this expanding market, promising economic resilience and a prosperous future for the region.
