Philippines launches halal blueprint to double products by 2028

Philippines has launched a strategic plan to transform itself into a premier halal hub across Asia Pacific by the year 2028.

The secretary of the country’s department of trade and industry (DTI), Alfredo Pascual, said the agency targets to increase Philippine-made halal-certified products and services from the current 3,000 to 6,000 by 2028 – catering to the domestic demand and global halal market. 

The halal board has passed a resolution to recognize foreign-accredited Philippine halal certification bodies to support the growth of halal exports, the secretary added. 

Currently, only locals goods certified by Philippine-accredited halal certifying bodies are allowed to export.

By broadening its production ambit, DTI also aims to widen the country's share in the global halal industry, expected to reach $7.7 trillion by 2025. 

The DTI chief also urged companies to look into opportunities in the domestic halal market.

Philippine’s halal products current lag behind neighbouring non-Muslims countries of Singapore and Thailand. The country has a sizeable Muslim population, currently the third-largest in Southeast Asia.

"Last year alone, we imported halal products worth $120 million, indicating a substantial market we could satisfy domestically," Pascual said.

The strategic plan entails other goals, such as generating PHP230 billion in investments for the domestic halal sector and the creation of 120,000 new jobs.