A group photo showing DTI Assistant Secretary and Chief-of-Staff Englebert Josef G. Chua with DTI staff members and Muslim sultans and community leaders during a courtesy call to discuss strategic initiatives for strengthening the Halal industry in the Bicol region.
In photo: DTI Assistant Secretary and Chief-of-Staff Englebert Josef G. Chua with DTI staff, Muslim sultans, and community leaders.

Makati City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed its support on the strategic initiatives to strengthen Halal development in the Bicol region, underscoring strong national support for tapping into the USD 7.7 trillion growing global market. The DTI’s role was demonstrated during a courtesy call on April 29, attended by Muslim sultans and community leaders, and facilitated by the DTI’s Halal Project Management Office (HPMO).

Reaffirming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s support, DTI Assistant Secretary and Chief-of-Staff Englebert Josef G. Chua conveyed the agency’s support for initiatives such as Halal certification, Halal kitchens, and poultry slaughterhouse equipment.

He also shared plans to roll out Halal marketing campaigns, one-stop-shop services, and capacity-building programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the six Bicol provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes.

ASec. Chua further emphasized the strategic role of Halal development, Islamic banking, and food security in boosting the country’s sustainable growth agenda. Moreover, he urged stakeholders to contribute to establishing a robust, inclusive Halal ecosystem that empowers MSMEs, supports farmers, and promotes national pride.

DTI’s HPMO Program Manager Dimnatang M. Radia presented the Bicol Halal Road Map, which outlines a comprehensive framework to develop Halal-certified MSMEs, establish world-class infrastructure, and expand market access. He underscored the need for collaboration among local government units (LGUs), the private sector, and Halal certifying bodies to position the Bicol region as a competitive player and potentially a global Halal hub.

Muslim leaders expressed their overwhelming support for the initiative and their eagerness to collaborate with the DTI and LGUs. “This initiative fills us with hope. With DTI’s support, we are confident that our local businesses will thrive and make a significant impact on the economy,” one leader shared.

ASec. Chua concluded the event, emphasizing its role in advancing the Halal agenda and issuing a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate in developing a vibrant, globally competitive Halal industry.

The courtesy call highlighted the whole-of-government approach, fostering unity among the Sultanate League of Bicol, LGUs, the private sector, Halal certifying bodies, academic institutions, and civil society. ♦

Date of Release: 08 May 2025

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