Malou Ampuan, of the Mindanao Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said lawmakers must to make up time in approving regulations governing the Halal Export Development and Promotional Act, which she called “a vital component” in making local products more competitive in regional halal markets.
It has been a year since former President Benigno Aquino signed the act into law, though all standards must first be agreed before it can begin to be implemented.
“The DTI must finish drafting and finalising the regulations. This is important to the halal industry in the country,” Ampuan said.
Currently, five Islamic groups are used to certify halal products in the Philippines, though these are only recognised at a national level.
“With a regulatory framework in place, the standards that will certify our halal products will officially be set,” she said.
Under the terms of the act, the DTI secretary will head the Halal Export Development and Promotional Board, which is tasked with overseeing halal programmes.
The board will also oversee donations, grants, endowments and contributions from local and foreign sources to help promote the halal industry.
“Finish the rules and regulations now!” Ampuan urged the DTI. “The country is establishing its links to world markets.”