Relaunching of Tanauan Halal-ready Slaughterhouse with Tanauan Mayor Nelson P. Collantes, DTI Undersecretary Ana Carolina P. Sanchez, Malaysia Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, PCW Commissioner Ayesha Limbona, City Veterinarian Dr. Aries Garcia, DTI Regional Director Marissa Argente, Provincial Director Leila Cabreros and Deputy Executive Director Dimnatang Radia, DTI Halal Industry Task Force 

TANAUAN CITY, BATANGAS—On 13 December 2023, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual represented by DTI Undersecretary Ana Carolina P. Sanchez and Tanauan City Mayor Nelson Collantes officially relaunched a Halal-ready slaughterhouse in Tanauan City, Batangas. Secretary Pascual underscored that this relaunching is part of the DTI’s goal and mandate to develop and promote the Halal industry to position the Philippines as the most Halal-friendly trade and investment hub in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Secretary Pascual stressed, “This relaunching marks a significant leap forward in our goal of reinforcing Halal infrastructure in CALABARZON. Through the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board and the Special Task Force created to grow the industry, we will ensure the development of the Halal industry and enhance the Halal economy within the country.”  

The Tanauan slaughterhouse received joint funding from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, in partnership with the Tanauan Local Government Unit (LGU), further solidifying the commitment to the Halal Industry development and promotion. 

During the relaunch attended by various concerned national government agencies, private organizations, micro, small, and, medium enterprises (MSMEs), Halal Certifying Body (HCB), cooperatives, and Muslim community leaders, the representatives present shared their programs linked to the promotion and development of the Halal industry in the Philippines.  

As the Chair of the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board, DTI chief Pascual emphasized, “We are eyeing a bigger share of the USD 7 Trillion global Halal Market. The scope is vast, from Halal Food, Pharmaceuticals, Halal-friendly tourism, and Islamic Finance to Modest Fashion and Halal cosmetics. Halal is for everyone, as Halal Food is healthy and hygienic.”  

From the side of the Tanauan LGU, Mayor Collantes recognized the significance of the slaughterhouse in boosting the local government’s business environment and its potential to create employment opportunities within the constituency. He also expressed his commitment to the advancement and promotion of their local Halal industry within the region.  

Further, His Excellency Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia expressed robust support for the Philippines-Malaysia partnership in advancing the mutually beneficial Halal industry.  

Additionally, Her Excellency Ambassador Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio, representing the Philippines to Brunei, outlined opportunities for bolstering bilateral ties and highlighting collaboration in the Tanauan slaughterhouse. 

On the sidelines of the relaunch, a Halal awareness seminar at Tanauan Institute was also conducted, empowering local stakeholders and propelling the Philippines into the global Halal arena. Through this seminar, participants gained knowledge and tools to actively champion the Halal industry, complemented by Halal-certified products live presentations. This seminar is a part of the  Halal Training and Stakeholders Consultation which is aimed to empower MSMEs and cooperatives through engaging workshops, informative sessions, and collaborative discussions.

Further, the seminar also focused on crafting a comprehensive roadmap for the Halal industry in CALABARZON, a crucial step in positioning Philippine Halal enterprises on the global economic stage. Presented by Deputy Executive Director Dimnatang Radia, the strategic plan is focused on global competitiveness, digitization, and inclusivity, including the establishment of the Regional Halal Coordinating Council (RHCC). The presented plan also encompasses initiatives for capacity building, job creation, Islamic finance and investment, food security, tourism, and export opportunities. 

Highlighting the critical role of partnerships in maximizing the potential of the Philippine Halal industry, Secretary Pascual emphasized, “Our collective endeavors will amplify our market intelligence and bolster our branding efforts, particularly in promoting trade and investments. Through our whole-of-government approach, I am very optimistic that we could achieve our overarching objective of PHP 230 billion in Halal trade and investments and over 120,000 job opportunities in the next five years.” ♦

Date of release: 16 December 2023

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