CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is intensifying its Halal certification program to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Luzon access the expanding Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market and strengthen their export competitiveness.
This initiative supports efforts under the national development agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expand MSME participation in global value chains through export development and market diversification.
DTI Regional SME Development Division Chief Warren Patrick Serrano said the Halal food market in the Philippines reached about $60 million in 2025, while the ASEAN Halal market is estimated at $2 trillion, offering significant opportunities for local producers.
“All seven provinces in Region 3 have MSMEs applying for Halal certification,” he said.
Certified and applicant MSMEs are engaged in products such as healthy beverages, sauces and condiments, mushroom chips, fruits, peanuts, and other nut-based exports, some of which are already reaching ASEAN and Gulf markets.
Serrano said Central Luzon was initially selected as a pilot area for Halal certification assistance, supporting 13 MSMEs in 2025 through audit, documentation, advisory, and certification processes with accredited bodies.
He added that DTI previously provided up to ₱50,000 subsidy per MSME for certification support, while a proposed expansion of up to ₱75,000 for internationally accredited certification is considered this year, subject to funding availability.
The agency also targets to assist 48 MSMEs in the region this year in obtaining Halal certification, with initial funding already secured for eight enterprises this semester.
Serrano noted that MSMEs continue to face challenges such as compliance with ingredient traceability and ensuring all suppliers are Halal-certified, which are critical requirements in the certification process.
Despite this, Halal certification serves as both a market gateway and a quality assurance system that can expand export access, strengthen product credibility, and support tourism readiness for Muslim travelers and international events.
For her part, Regional Director Edna Dizon said DTI is working with national government agencies, local government units, and development partners to strengthen the Halal ecosystem and expand capacity-building and market promotion for MSMEs.
“We also plan to pursue Halal-focused trade fairs and international exhibitions, including possible participation in Malaysia, to further integrate Central Luzon enterprises into the ASEAN Halal economy,” she shared.
The agency likewise encouraged more MSMEs in the region to pursue Halal certification, citing its potential to open new markets and support inclusive economic growth in Central Luzon.
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