To support the implementation of Republic Act 10817, known as the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016, the Special Committee on East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) of Philippine Congress and the Halal Section of the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held a Philippines Halal Industry Exhibit from October 8 to 11 at the North Wing Lobby of the Philippine Congress.

The exhibit showcased the Philippine halal-certified products and services and to affirm what Trade Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman said—that “there are simply more people who need halal products and services”—as more than 40 companies, ranging from small to big businesses, participated in the exhibit. The participating companies, mostly micro, small and medium enterprises exhibited food and beverage products, nonfood products; like garments and textiles, costume jeweleries, cosmetics and healthcare products.  Other companies providing halal services­—including halal certification, travel and logistics—also joined the exhibit.

The opening of the exhibit on October 8 at the North Wing Lobby was attended by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, together with guests and participants from the Philippine Congress, executives and officials from various government agencies, as well as special guests from embassies of Islamic countries, like Brunei Darussalam, Republic of Indonesia, Libya, Pakistan, Qatar and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As part of the activity, a seminar on “Strengthening the Philippine Halal Ecosystem through Legislative Agenda” was conducted on October 9, at the Speaker Gil Montilla Function Room, Second Floor, South Wing Annex Building.

The seminar covered various stimulating topics in the first half, such as the Basic Principles and Fundamentals of Halal, Islamic Finance, Turkish Halal Practices and Challenges in the Philippine Halal Food Industry; with distinguished speakers from academic and private institutions. The second half addressed and discussed the programs and plans of different government agencies in their participation and role toward the growth of the halal industry.

With the anticipation on the rise of demand for halal prodicts and services over the years, DTI-EMB will continue to create programs and open platforms to empower and assist the business sector in engaging in the booming industry.