Halal will bring both economic and social gains – Legarda

On Eid’l Adha this year, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda released a statement urging both cooperation and healthy competition by enhancing the halal industry and halal tourism.

She noted that despite the passage of Republic Act No. 10817, or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016, the country is lagging in producing and certifying halal goods.

Legarda said it is the mandate of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) as well. Still, so far, the agency has not been able to utilize the opportunities open in this market fully.

Muslim Filipinos celebrated when a bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim resulted in an agreement to boost security, trade, and investment exchanges with a special focus on the halal industry, agriculture, and food security, and the digital economy.

Legarda urged all entities in government to analyze trends and look at the vast potential of the halal industry.

“Entrepreneurs nationwide must seize this opportunity to expand their markets and attract a sizable chunk of tourism,” she said.

Legarda cited how vegetarian restaurants in the country have claimed that their market includes a sizable chunk of meat eaters who enjoy a vegetable meal. Food businesses should not think that getting certified will limit their market only to Filipino Muslims.

She claimed halal certification would expand rather than restrict their market and urged a more robust government support and marketing push.

“Not only will this reel in economic benefits, but it will also bring inclusivity, highlight our cooperation and break social barriers,” Legarda remarked. (30)