DTI to position Philippines as key global halal player

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has established an office dedicated to promoting the halal industry as it seeks to position the Philippines as a key global halal player.

In a statement, the DTI said it established the National Halal Industry and Development Office (NHIDO) to propel the Philippines to the forefront of the global halal industry by 2025.

The move is in line with the country’s goal to boost the domestic halal market and expand exports of Philippine products and services.

A product or service is considered halal if it follows the prescribed process of preparation according to Islamic law and certified as such by accredited bodies.

The new office will act as the central coordinating body for all halal development efforts to streamline initiatives and foster collaboration.

Through this effort, the aim is to create a unified and robust halal industry.

Among the key priorities of the new office is to simplify halal certification and standards to ensure easier access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In line with this initiative, there will be capacity-building programs that offer specialized training for MSMEs and other stakeholders to gain the necessary skills to thrive in the halal sector.

In addition, the new office will lead the nationwide launch of the “Halal-Friendly Philippines” campaign to raise awareness and tap into the economic potential of halal products, as well as extend their appeal beyond the Muslim community.

As part of the campaign, public awareness programs will be rolled out across various media platforms.

The new office will also partners with local government units and relevant agencies to improve governance and cultivate halal-compliant infrastructure, including slaughterhouses and cold storage facilities.

Moreover, the office will form a comprehensive halal product database and implement monitoring and evaluation systems.

“The establishment of NHIDO marks a turning point for the Philippine halal industry. It will serve as a unifying force to transform our goals into reality, unlocking opportunities for businesses, creating jobs and elevating the Philippines as a halal-friendly destination globally,” DTI-Halal Industry and Trade Office program manager Dimnatang Radia said.