MANILA – The Philippines aims to significantly boost its halal trade revenues, targeting nearly PHP16 billion by 2025, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This ambitious goal follows the success of the "Halal-Friendly Philippines" campaign in 2024, which generated PHP7.9 billion in revenues from international expositions.

DTI Program Manager Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal announced the target during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, outlining plans to expand the campaign's reach to the United States, South Korea, Japan, and Turkey (Istanbul) in 2025. "We’re expecting to double our trade and revenues and sales from 2024," Guiapal stated, citing the expanded geographical focus as a key driver.

The DTI's efforts to promote the "Halal-Friendly Philippines" brand have increased the visibility of Filipino halal products globally. Notable appearances at the Saudi International Halal Expo and the Abu Dhabi Food Expo in 2024 resulted in significant trade sales, including PHP104.5 million in Saudi Arabia alone.

The DTI's strategy emphasizes strict adherence to Sharia-compliant standards and halal certification, ensuring products are properly slaughtered, free from prohibited ingredients like pork, and meet the demands of both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers seeking healthier, ethically produced options.

Guiapal highlighted the growing interest among Filipino manufacturers in obtaining halal certification to access lucrative markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Halal, meaning lawful or permissible in Arabic, applies to products and practices that comply with Islamic law.