Halal not only a religious matter but a nation’s concern - Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary

Photo: MANILA, PHILIPPINES - APRIL 16, 2011: Contingent from different parts of the country celebrate he 2011 Aliwan Fiesta on April 16, 2011 in Manila. Performers dressed with ethnic costumes / Tony Magdaraog / Shutterstock.com

"Halal is not only a religious matter, but a nation’s concern,” Philippine Department Of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr said in a statement provided to Salaam Gateway. “[...] the development of the halal industry must be economic rather than just cultural. Improving the halal industry in our country will not only serve to advance the lives of Muslim Filipinos and attract more tourists, but it could also help spur growth in the Philippine economy.”

The Philippine Halal Tourism Project, which was launched in January, is a much-needed jumpstart to the country's’ halal value chain, added Art Boncato, the Department of Tourism's Assistant Secretary.

“The project aims to make the country a Muslim-friendly destination,” said Boncato.

“[It seeks] to certify 50 establishments within a 100-day timetable in four pilot areas, namely Manila, Cebu, Boracay, and Davao City, [which] are primary tourist destinations in the Philippines.”

The initiative is a joint project between the nation’s Department Of Tourism and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the government agency mandated by law to develop the local halal industry.

HIGHER DEMAND 

“There is now a greater demand for halal-certified slaughterhouses, processed food, and other products needed by hotels, resorts, and restaurants,” said Boncato.

The project will cover all halal certification costs for the 50 confirmed tourism businesses in four pilot areas. It will also launch an advertising campaign to position the country as a Muslim-friendly travel destination.

The project aims to reinforce these efforts via travel trade shows and business missions to high-value Muslim markets such as the Middle East.

In addition to paying for halal certifications, the project also hopes to construct a halal science center in Davao City, the details of which are still being worked out.

DOMESTIC MUSLIM MARKET

Davao City has roughly 450,000 registered Muslim residents, and also has the potential to become a halal destination for local travelers in the Philippines.

Boncato said, “Domestic tourism is the backbone of our industry and we look forward (to) serving the needs of travelers from among the 10 million Muslim Filipinos living in various parts of the country.”

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