HALAL-CERTIFIED. Davao Region is boosting its advocacy on Halal adoption among the key industry players including micro, small and medium enterprises, says Marilou Ampuan, vice-chairperson of the Regional Halal Committee for Southern Mindanao during a business talk in Davao City on Tuesday (Nov. 19, 2019). (PNA photo by Digna Banzon)
DAVAO CITY -- The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Region 11 have shown enthusiasm to obtain halal certification for their products.
Marilou Ampuan, vice-chairperson of the Regional Halal Committee (RHC) of Southern Mindanao, said during Tuesday's business talk here that their continuing awareness campaign has provided industry sectors better understanding of halal, acknowledging "there has to be a balance between Shariah and the Technical aspect regarding Halal".
Ampuan said the RHC is closely coordinating with the agencies identified under Republic Act No. 10817, otherwise known as "An Act Instituting the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Program, Creating for the purpose the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board, and for other purposes".
The agencies involved are Department of Tourism (DOT) for halal tourism; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for halal laboratory; Department of Agriculture (DA) for halal agriculture-fishery; Department of Health (DOH) for halal cosmetics and herbal medicines; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for Islamic banking and financing; Department of Finance (DOF) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) for halal investment opportunities.
On the ground, she said they continue with their advocacy so that national programs on halal can take root in the regions.
Ampuan also noted that several establishments in the region are becoming aware of the growing purchasing power of Muslim Filipinos, noting that a number of establishments have started providing areas where Muslims can pray. Some hotels, she added, have installed halal kitchens.
"Slowly we can eventually adopt while the industry is working hard to comply with what is needed," she said.
She also noted this city's consultations with Muslim scholars and tourism industry players in crafting guidelines towards making Davao City a Halal-friendly destination.
Among the certified halal-certifying organizations in the island include the Halal Development Institute of the Philippines, Mindanao Halal Authority (MinHA), Halal International Chamber of Commerce (HICCP), Islamic Dawa Council of the Philippines (IDCP), Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board (MMHCB), and Prime Certification & Inspection Asia Pacific, Inc. (PNA)
