DTI advances global Halal certification initiatives in Bicol

[DTI News Release]

Legazpi City, Philippines—On 07 August 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 5 launched initiatives to elevate compliance with international Halal standards and position the region as a key player in the global market.

In collaboration with the Halal Industry Development Program Management Office and other partner agencies, the two-day event aims to empower local businesses and foster economic growth by tapping into the rapidly expanding Halal market.

“The Bicol Halal initiatives focus on ensuring that products from the region meet the highest international Halal standards. With the global Halal market projected to grow into a massive industry, it is crucial that Bicol positions itself as a key player,” said DTI Region 5 Regional Director Dindo Nabol.

The recently launched initiatives include capacity-building workshops for local entrepreneurs, representatives from partner national line agencies, and the academe. They also focus on establishing Halal-compliant supply chains, and facilitating access to Halal certification for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

During the launching ceremony, distinguished individuals delivered keynote presentations. Deputy Executive Director Dimnatang Radia, Halal Program Manager of the DTI-Program Management Office, presented the Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan. Meanwhile, Commissioner Amielyn “Asliyah” Limbona of the Philippine Commission on Women spoke on Halal MSME Empowerment.

Furthermore, insightful discussions were led by resource persons from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and other partner agencies from Region 5, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Regional Tripartite Wages & Regulatory Board.

Partners and key partners kept the momentum on the second day, where they crafted and localized the Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan and the Halal Roadmap.

To further solidify the commitment to foster a thriving Halal industry in the region, the event also saw the unveiling of the “Halal-Friendly Bicol” logo and a commitment signing ceremony.

The event was graced by key government officials, business leaders, and representatives from local Muslim communities, all emphasizing the importance of the Halal industry as a driver of economic growth.

Esteemed dignitaries who expressed their support for the event included Director Samira Ali Gutoc-Tomawis, representing Senator Robin Padilla; Legazpi Vice Mayor Oscar Robert Cristobal; Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla; and DOLE Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Imelda Romanillos.

Following this launch, a Regional Halal Development Council will be created and a series of focus group discussions will be facilitated, ensuring the initiatives’ continued progress and success.

This launch was seen as a step towards promoting cultural understanding and fostering stronger relationships among the region’s diverse stakeholders. Moreover, it is poised to boost the regional economy by opening doors to new markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. END

For further information on the release, please get in touch with:

DTI-Regional Operations Group

6F Trade & Industry Building 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Telephone: +632) 7791.3279

Fax: (+632) 7791.3280

Contact person: Ms. ⁨Jocelyn Berango⁩

Email: R05@dti.gov.ph / jocelynberango@dti.gov.ph

Website: www.dti.gov.ph