THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Halal Industry Development Office said it strengthened its presence when it comes to food, especially seafood, noting its demand.
Manufactured in keeping with Islam’s Sharia law, halal certified products do not contain traces of pork, alcohol or blood.
Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, program manager under the Halal Industry Development Office, said there are more Halal-certified kitchens in 5-star and 3-star hotels in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“During our participation sa Saudi Halal Expo, malaki ang demand ng market pagdating sa seafood. ‘Yung presyo ng Halal-certified products sa bansa, nakapaghimok rin ito ng suporta sa mga turista na dumayo sa Pilipinas,” said Guiapal in a public briefing.
More Halal-certified services contribute to the enhancement of the Halal industry in the country, according to Guiapal.
Asked how the agency ensures the quality of Halal-services in the country, he said this could be done through collaboration with the private sector.
“Tatlo ‘yung stakeholders natin sa Halal: Unang-una dito ay ‘yung members ng Halal expert board, pangalawa ‘yung Halal certification body, at pangatlo ‘yung ating industry partners,” he said.
“One way of making sure na ma-address natin ‘yung integridad ng ating mga Halal certification is to work closely with the Halal-certification body,” he said.
Guiapal vowed to have more collaboration with Halal-certification bodies to boost the country’s branding as Halal-friendly.
He also urged local government units to support their cause.
The Marcos administration last year said it is looking to attract up to P230 billion worth of investments in the Philippines’ halal industry as part of its plan to make the country a “halal-friendly hub” for the entire Asia-Pacific region.
The government also hopes to create up to 120,000 jobs in the next four years in this industry, the DTI earlier said. (ABS-CBN News)
