MANILA -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is inviting researchers to send proposals on Halal for possible funding, an official announced during the World Halal Assembly slated here from January 18-19.
DOST-12 Director Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan, chair of the assembly, said proposals may be sent directly to her office in Cotabato City.
According to DOST, the Halal industry is booming, and has a global market worth of about USD3 trillion. The agency also recognized that Halal is a global commodity.
The DOST wants to improve the country’s Halal food and pharmaceutical products and make the industry globally competitive.
"Consumers are becoming more mindful of the genuineness of Halal products," noted Laidan. "For us in the DOST, we test and we certify Halal products," she added.
In 2015, the DOST has launched the DOST 12 Halal logo or Seal of Quality. This internationally-recognized logo "removes technical barriers in trading and export" and adds value to the product since Halal is obligatory for the Muslims.
Laidan said the branding of Halal requires competent certification process through scientific and innovative approach "to fully establish the Halalness of products”.
She added that the DOST's certification addresses the uncertainty issues on certified Halal products.
Meanwhile, both Laidan and DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena emphasized that developing premium Halal brands uses science and innovation.
"Science and technology are the best contributors to a country's development," noted Dela Pena. To help improve the Halal industry in the country, for instance, the DOST provides laboratory testing, technology training, human resource development, machineries, processing equipment, among others.
Growing interest
Laidan said that in Region 12, more businesses have become more interested in Halal.
Among the things that consumers look for the authenticity of Halal products are the safety, quality and acceptability for the Muslims.
With the growing interest of entrepreneurs in Halal, the huge number of Muslims and demand for Halal globally, the DOST said it targets to make the country as the main Halal hub in the ASEAN region by 2022.
"We want the Philippines to be a one-stop shop for Halal, catering to the global market," Laidan said. (PNA)
