Two senators have noted the lack of knowledge and regulations on halal certification and dietary principles of Muslims in the country.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla called on government agencies, including the DTI and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos to clarify the role of agencies in the certification of halal food products while Sen. Win Gatchalian noted the gaps in existing laws on the halal sector.
Gatchalian underscored the need for an airtight legislation to ensure that domestic halal products are compliant with the dietary requirement and Islamic lifestyle of Muslim communities.
Republic Act No. 10817, or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Program Act of 2016, regulates halal products in the country, but policy makers said the law lacks teeth to penalize manufacturers who falsely claim they offer halal products or services.
Halal is an Islamic concept that connotes that a product or service is free of impurities and can be consumed by Muslims.
Gatchalian said a new law is needed to regulate, promote and clarify the roles and responsibilities of agencies in halal certification.
The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) national strategy to develop the local halal industry targets to generate P230 billion in investments and creating 120,000 jobs in the sector within five years.
The DTI noted the growing demand for halal products and services in the Philippines and export markets consisting of 57 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the Philippines seeks to expand its participation in the halal economy by being more active in the multitrillion US-dollar industry that is growing at a rapid pace.
Data show the global Muslim population now stands at 1.9 billion, while the global halal market is estimated to rise to $7.7 trillion in market value by 2025.
Pascual said maximizing the country’s potential in the halal industry will help gain more investments, better quality jobs and improved life for Filipinos.
