The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of Region 12 of the Philippines held the World Halal Congress at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel on January 18-19.

The international congress provided a channel for experts, entrepreneurs, academics, government and consumers to discuss views on the Halal industry.

DOST Region 12 prepared several plenary sessions for the two-day congress and invited international guest speakers.

Issues to be addressed included Halal technical regulations, the impact of science on Halal, and developing small and medium-sized enterprises through Halal science and technology and the Halal ecosystem.

Islamic scholars, Muslim intellectuals and scientists, international certification bodies, government officials, entrepreneurs, and Muslim and non-Muslim consumers attended the congress.

In addition, seminars on Halal branding, Halal standards, and Islamic banking and finance were held.

In June 2015, the agency unveiled the DOST Region 12 Halal mark, marking the Philippines' readiness to enter the global Halal market.

During the 2015 Halal Congress, the Department of Science and Technology spoke about the importance of this mark, which follows the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC)—a mechanism for harmonizing standards within the OIC.

DOST Region 12 said its quality or Halal mark is internationally recognized. They 'eliminate technical barriers to trade and export' and add value to the product, because Halal is an obligation for Muslims.

The agency added that those with a quality mark also have a better understanding of the Halal market, international regulations on Halal products, and industry update and innovation strategies for achieving success in the Halal industry.

DOST Region 12 Director Hadja Sittie Shayma Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan said that although the Philippines is a non-Muslim country, it has abundant Halal product resources. In the process of protecting, preserving, developing and promoting Halal products, the agency has strengthened its efforts to ensure that science, technology and innovation, together with the core of Halal integrity, can serve as pillars of the Halal industry.

FAQ

What topics were discussed at the World Halal Congress held in Manila, the Philippines?
The two-day World Halal Congress held by DOST Region 12 of the Philippines provided a channel for experts, entrepreneurs, academics, government and consumers to discuss views on the Halal industry. Topics included Halal technical regulations, the impact of science on Halal, and developing SMEs through Halal science and technology and the Halal ecosystem, with seminars on Halal branding, Halal standards, and Islamic banking and finance.
What is the significance of the DOST Region 12 Halal mark in the Philippines?
The Halal mark was unveiled in June 2015, marking the Philippines' readiness to enter the global Halal market. It follows the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC, a mechanism for harmonizing standards within the OIC) and is an internationally recognized quality or Halal mark that can eliminate technical barriers to trade and export and add value to products. Holders of the mark also have a better understanding of the Halal market, international regulations and industry innovation strategies.