"Halal food producers in the Philippines are well-positioned to gain a solid foothold in the thriving global halal market, which estimated to be worth US$2.3-trillion. There are an estimated two billion Muslim consumers abroad. There is a growing demand for halal products among non-Muslims, too," Villar said during the launch of the first Ramadan International Bazaar at the Bonifacio Global City over the weekend. The bazaar will run until Eid Al Fitr, the end of Ramadhan.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food is accelerating the passage of halal-related bills, particularly on Philippine halal policies and regulations.
The Villar-authored Senate Bill No. 312, or the 'Philippine Halal Act', seeks the establishment of a Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board. It will be responsible for the formulation, drafting, management and implementation of programs relevant to manufacturing, production, distribution, preparation, handling, storage and verification of halal approved-food, non-food merchandise and services.
"We have halal certifying bodies but there are still prevailing issues that we need to address. We still don't have a common set of national halal guidelines that would govern the certification process. So there is a need to create a Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board," Villar explained.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food is accelerating the passage of halal-related bills, particularly on Philippine halal policies and regulations.
The Villar-authored Senate Bill No. 312, or the 'Philippine Halal Act', seeks the establishment of a Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board. It will be responsible for the formulation, drafting, management and implementation of programs relevant to manufacturing, production, distribution, preparation, handling, storage and verification of halal approved-food, non-food merchandise and services.
"We have halal certifying bodies but there are still prevailing issues that we need to address. We still don't have a common set of national halal guidelines that would govern the certification process. So there is a need to create a Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board," Villar explained.
Villar noted that the large Muslim population in the country is attracting international investors. Mindanao, which is home to about 4 million Muslims, could be a potential halal hub for the country. The region is already positioned as the halal production centre of the country and a gateway to neighbouring Muslim countries Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
"Our halal products are making its way all over the world. They are also becoming widely sought. I saw that for myself when I attend international fairs and exhibits. We just need to put in place efficient accreditation and regulating mechanisms at par with international requirements," the Nacionalista Party senator added.
Villar is the principal author of the 'Eid'ulFitr Holiday Act of 2002', which declares the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic Calendar, following Ramadhan, a national holiday for the observance of Eid'ulFitr, by virtue of Republic Act No. 9177.
"Our halal products are making its way all over the world. They are also becoming widely sought. I saw that for myself when I attend international fairs and exhibits. We just need to put in place efficient accreditation and regulating mechanisms at par with international requirements," the Nacionalista Party senator added.
Villar is the principal author of the 'Eid'ulFitr Holiday Act of 2002', which declares the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic Calendar, following Ramadhan, a national holiday for the observance of Eid'ulFitr, by virtue of Republic Act No. 9177.