THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it has relaunched a halal-ready slaughterhouse in Tanauan City, Batangas.

“This relaunching marks a significant leap forward in our goal of reinforcing Halal infrastructure in Calabarzon,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

The Tanauan slaughterhouse received joint funding from the DTI and the Tanauan Local Government Unit through the Shared Service Facility program.

The department, quoting Tanauan Mayor Nelson P. Collantes, said that the slaughterhouse is significant “in boosting the local government’s business environment and its potential to create employment opportunities within the constituency.”

The DTI also conducted a halal awareness seminar at Tanauan Institute which aims to equip participants with tools needed to champion the halal industry.

“This seminar is a part of the Halal Training and Stakeholders Consultation which seeks to empower micro, small, medium enterprises and cooperatives through workshops, information sessions, and collaborative discussion,” the DTI said. 

The DTI aims to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the Halal industry in Calabarzon which includes the establishment of a Regional Halal Coordinating Council.

“We are eyeing a bigger share of the $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,” Mr. Pascual said.

“I am very optimistic that we can achieve our overarching objective of P230 billion in Halal trade and investment and over 120,000 job opportunities in the next five years,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

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