DFA Affirms Commitment to Forging Partnerships to Support Philippine Halal Industries
MANILA 20 January 2025 – The Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of International Economic Relations (DFA-OIER) conducted a webinar for Foreign Service Posts on 15 January 2025 to provide a briefing on developments in the global Halal industry to maximize its potential in response to the increasing global demand for Halal products and services.
“It is an honor for me to open this forum, which will discuss exciting developments in the global Halal industry, and how the Philippines can grasp opportunities in important markets,” DFA-OIER Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent Uy stated in his opening remarks.
In his opening remarks, the DFA Assistant Secretary cited the remarkable evolution of the industry through the years, beginning as a basic concept that focused on food and drinks, to its recent expansion to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health products, medical services, tourism and travel destinations and many others. “This expansion, driven by demand for halal-certified products that align with both religious beliefs as well as pursuit of quality, has now garnered global recognition,” he said.
Joining the DFA-OIER in the briefing were resource speakers from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), and included presentations to FSPs on the halal ecosystem and government strategy by DTI Head of the Philippine Halal Industry Development Office Aleem Guiapal; Islamic Financing and BSP’s initiatives on Islamic Banking by BSP Assistant Governor Atty. Arifa Ala; and Halal Tourism in the Philippines by DOT Chief of Staff Bella Biscocho from the Office of the Undersecretary for Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns. Chief of Staff Englebert Josef Chua from the DTI-Office of the Secretary delivered a Message of Support, highlighting the growth of the Philippine Halal industry and strengthen the Philippines' position in the global Halal market. This includes fostering partnerships, addressing challenges, and facilitating growth in the country’s Halal sector.
Progress in the industry was highlighted during the discussion, with emphasis on the industry generating a growth of PHP 7.9B ($134M) in trade of Halal goods for both domestic and export markets in 2024. This reflects the Philippines' strategic vision under Bagong Pilipinas to establish a strong and sustainable Halal ecosystem that meets global demand. DTI further underscored the need to synergize efforts among concerned agencies in order to attract investments and tourists, and make the Philippines a global leader in halal trade, tourism and Islamic finance.
Furthermore, BSP Assistant Governor Ala stated that the Islamic banking and trade industries are also experiencing remarkable growth. The BSP has been fostering a regulatory environment conducive to the development of Islamic finance. The establishment of Islamic Banking Units (IBUs) in both rural and commercial banks marks a significant milestone in its journey towards financial inclusion. These innovations have positioned the Philippines as a potential hub for Islamic finance in the region.
Meanwhile, DOT Chief of Staff Biscocho stated that the halal industry has ventured into tourism, and that the Philippines has promoted itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, with DOT recognizing hotels and resorts as Muslim-Friendly accommodations. The DOT’s four-point agenda in halal tourism in the Philippines aims to make the country’s tourism sector more inclusive and accessible to Muslim travelers.
The webinar was conducted in two sessions, morning and afternoon, and was attended by a total of 116 members from various posts. Serving as Moderator for both sessions was DFA-OIER Acting Director Marivil V. Valles. END
