USAID Orients Women Food Producers in Luzon and Visayas on Halal Market Opportunities

Around 70 participants belonging to the food industries in the CDI partner cities of Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, Legazpi, Batangas, and Iloilo, and the provinces of Bohol, Palawan and Albay attended the session. (Right photo) Mr. Jamil Hamza A.T. Olermo, Founder of the Halal Resource Center, talked about Halal concepts and practices.

Recognizing emerging opportunities in the Halal food industry, USAID hosted a webinar entitled “Halal Principles, Standards and Certification” on May 28, 2021. Around 70 participants belonging to the food industries in the Cities Development Initiative (CDI) partner cities of Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, Legazpi, Batangas, and Iloilo, and the provinces of Bohol, Iloilo, Palawan, and Albay learned about Halal standards and practices in manufacturing, product handling, packaging and delivery, as well as Halal certification process, requirements, and compliance issues and concerns. These entrepreneurs wanted to make their food business Halal-certified so they can cater to Muslim consumers as a way to expand their market reach. The participants also learned the importance of having certain facilities, such as slaughterhouses, be accredited as Halal to comply with the required Halal certification process. During the session, Mr. Jamil Hamza A.T. Olermo, Founder of the Halal Resource Center, highlighted the religious background and basic principles underlying Halal. He also discussed the two aspects of Halal compliance -- the Internal and External aspects. Mr. Olermo also explained that Halal certification enables a business to reach out to more consumers which makes their businesses more inclusive.

#USAIDSURGE