DOST championing Halal products

In 2017, the global market for halal foods reached a whopping $1.4 trillion. This number is expected to go higher by 2023, predicting that market value for Muslim-friendly food products will go up to $2.6 trillion, according to a report cited by Statista.com.

The Philippine halal industry is still in its early years, but there’s no better time to boost this sector than now. While the entire Halal Program is led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has also contributed in promoting halal food through a variety of initiatives.

Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña said that his agency is providing facilities and laboratory test services to ensure that the food products do not contain components, which are not acceptable for halal such as alcohol and porcine.

Meanwhile, DOST-Soccsksargen Regional Director Dr. Hadja Shayma Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan earned the honorary title “Queen of halal in Asia” during the World Halal Assembly in Manila last January.

Laidan has been steadfast in supporting and scaling up the country’s halal industry. Some of her notable initiatives include establishing a new and modern halal center in Koronadal City, South Cotabato; holding international conferences on halal products; attending and participating in fora abroad; and setting up the halal laboratory in Cotabato City, among others.

DOST-Soccsksargen plans to launch the new halal center in Koronadal City by November or December this year. According to Laidan, it will be known as the “Philippine National Laboratory and Science Center Building” — which will house DOST-Soccsksargen’s Philippine Halal Laboratory.

via Business Mirror / Edd K. Usman