A HALAL-CERTIFYING organization accredited in Malaysia is expected to start operating in the Philippines this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
The certifying organization is accredited with Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM).
“The certifying body will be an add-on to the list of halal certifying bodies and conform to global and international standards,” the DTI said in a statement on Tuesday.
The DTI and JAKIM representatives met on Monday.
“JAKIM, a leading authority in Halal certification, aims to collaborate with the Philippines to align with international standards and open new market opportunities for Filipino products in the global Halal industry,” the DTI said.
During the meeting, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque asked JAKIM to provide assistance in marketing Philippine products and to serve as a consolidator of such products.
“With public and private partnerships, we can expect to ensure the support needed for the halal sector to flourish,” she said.
“We take advantage of the support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for the halal industry. He has three years remaining (in his term), and we should take advantage of the support he is giving. That’s why this is a priority for us,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile