Various stakeholders from different BARMM government offices, organizations, businesses, and private sectors in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and city of Lamitan during the Bangsamoro Halal Industry Development Plan (BHIDP) 2024-2028 consultation on Oct. 30, 2024. (Hamdan Badrudin/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government’s strategic framework for a sustainable and competitive Halal industry garnered widespread support from stakeholders across the region following consultations held in both mainland and island provinces on Oct. 28 and 30, 2024.
The Bangsamoro Halal Industry Development Plan (BHIDP) 2024-2028 serves as a blueprint to align BARMM’s Halal industry with the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), focusing on agro-industry and fisheries.
Minister of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT) and Bangsamoro Halal Board Chair Abuamri Taddik emphasized that developing the Halal industry aligns with the faith and economic goals of the Bangsamoro
“This Halal development encompasses not only food we eat but also other products and services within our region which could further boost our economy and enhance the lives of our people,” he said.
The plan covers development initiatives for priority sectors in the halal industry such as food; finance; tourism and travel; pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food supplements; modest fashion, cosmetics, and media; and entertainment.
Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama emphasized that developing a robust Halal Industry is not only investing in our region’s economic future but also actively working to adhere to food ingenuity, enhancing nutrition, and access to quality Halal-certified food.
“The strategic location of BARMM places us at the center of immense potential particularly to BIMP-EAGA where the demand for Halal products and services continues to grow,” he said.
He stressed that through this BHIDP creates a full quest for economic resilience, elevating the well-being of our communities, and contributing to a more prosperous future for Bangsamoro and beyond.
Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Director Melanie Indar mentioned that BARMM has a unique opportunity to harness this momentum and position itself as a leader in the Halal sector.
She said, “This consultation is a critical step toward coordinating a comprehensive Halal Industry Development Plan that will empower our local producers and engage hopefully export potential and create job opportunities for our region, our provinces, municipalities, and cities within the BARMM.”
The consultation in mainland provinces was participated by more than a hundred participants coming from 53 different offices and organizations of Ministries, Offices, or Agencies (MOAs), consumer groups, CSOs, businesses, media, academe, certifying bodies, cooperatives, LGUs, international partners, and religious groups in the provinces of Maguindanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, Lanao Del Sur, SGA including the cities of Marawi and Cotabato.
Meanwhile, in island provinces consultation came from 37 different offices and organizations of MOAs, consumer groups, CSOs, businesses, media, academe, certifying bodies, cooperatives, LGUs, national agencies, and religious groups in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and city of Lamitan.
The Technical Working Group (TWG) of BHIDP will work to include and harmonize the issues and concerns acknowledged during the consultations to finalize the plan.
Executive Director Abdul Hanna Tago of Bangsamoro Federal Business Council (BFBC) based in Marawi City, considered BARMM to have unique strengths that position it favorably to develop a competitive and thriving Halal industry.
He stressed, “Leveraging its political autonomy, geographical resources, educated workforce, and close ties with Muslim-majority nations, BARMM has the potential to become a significant player in the global Halal market.”
In 2022, global trends in the Islamic economy showed significant figures: $3.6 trillion in Islamic finance, $1.2 trillion in food and beverages, $295 billion in fashion, $231 billion in media, $102 billion in tourism, $100 billion in pharmaceuticals, and $70 billion in cosmetics.
This trend is driven by a growing Muslim population, rising demand for certified Halal products and Islamic financial services worldwide, and efforts to harmonize global Halal standards and regulations. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
