Philippines’ Marawi Halal Boom Bolstered by Key Partnership

In a landmark collaboration, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (BARMM-MTIT) in the Philippines has joined forces with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to propel Marawi’s burgeoning Halal sector into the global limelight.

At the recent memorandum of agreement signing held at Manila’s prestigious Dusit Thani Hotel on August 10th, representatives from both entities exuded confidence in the transformative power of this partnership to revitalize Marawi’s economic landscape.

Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim highlighted, “This strategic alliance heralds a promising era for trade and industry, poised to uplift lives across the BARMM, with particular focus on Marawi City and the adjoining areas of Lanao del Sur.” While acknowledging the promise, Ebrahim urged the MTIT to ensure rigorous adherence to the contract’s stipulations.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the potential this pact holds in tapping into the massive US$2.3 trillion global Halal food market, a figure anticipated to skyrocket by nearly 50% to US$3.4 trillion next year. The enormous global Halal clientele, estimated at 1.9 billion as of 2020 and predicted to reach 2 billion by 2030, represents a goldmine the Philippine Halal industry is eager to explore.

According to MTIT director general Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo, the primary focus will be dual-pronged, encompassing both Halal and tourism. “While the Bangsamoro region already has a substantial demand for Halal, to capture the attention of international audiences, such as Arabs and other Muslim communities, we need to position BARMM as the Halal flagship region,” stated Alonto-Sinarimbo.

This collaboration is an integral component of the 2nd phase of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) initiative. Its blueprint envisions the establishment of Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) to stimulate manufacturing, providing a fillip to souvenir artisans and fabric crafters. With a governmental allocation of P66 million, Pascual is optimistic about rapid project execution, anticipating its rollout within this year.

Recounting the achievements of the project’s inaugural phase, DTI XI confirmed the distribution of livelihood starter kits, formation of SSFs, and facilitation of retail spots for indigenous Maranao products, benefiting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Abdul Rashid Macala, vice-chair of the BARMM Business Council, noted the provision of P887 million in assistance to 20,000 IDPs during this phase.

For its sequel, the endeavor aims to bolster over 100 MSMEs, offering capacity building, business consultancy, and guidance in Halal best practices.

Ebrahim summed up the vision, stating, “Our united efforts should center on empowering the Bangsamoro community with holistic business tools, from Halal expertise and financial literacy to efficient operational strategies, to truly metamorphose the regional business landscape.”