BY ASANGAN T. MADALE
MANILA – The visit of DTI Team lead by ASEC DOMINIC TOLENTINO JR, PM RADIA DIMNATANG and DTI HALAL Consultant Former PCW Commissioner Amielyn M. Limbona last September 18, 2024 at the office of Senator Robinhood Padilla with Samirah Gutoc representing Sen Padilla office was a synergy between the senate and DTI regional office. This is crucial for fostering a supportive ecosystem for MSMEs in the Halal industry. The Senate, through its legislative functions, provides the overarching policies and resources needed to grow the Halal market.
“According to Asec Tolentino Jr “, DTI regional offices shall serve as the Hands-on implementers, guiding local MSMEs through the certification process and helping them build capacity.
While Halal Program Manager Radia Dimanatang said that thru DTI acting as the implementing arm that shall directly engages with MSMEs by providing the key function from his office Regional Halal offices shall provide key importance functions for domestic like Capacity Building, Technical support from the various programs, like DTI regional offices offer grants, loans and access to equipment needed to comply with Halal production standards.
While DTI regional offices facilitate access to packaging and branding assistance, helping MSMEs market their halal products more effectively.
DTI consultant Former Commissioner Limbona emphasized that there should be close coordination with certifying bodies, to work closely with accredited Halal certifying bodies to streamline the certification process for MSMEs This is to ensure the local businesses can undergo the necessary audits and evaluations required for Halal certification with less difficulty, enhancing their competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Samira Gutoc assures that creation of Halal Task Force in partnerships with the office of Sen. Padilla and DTI ROG Halal office with the approval of DTI Secretary Christina Roque is an indicator of a promising booming Halal industry through Market access and Promotion that shall help these initiatives certified MSMEs gain exposure to both domestic and international buyers especially in Halal-dominant markets such as middle east and parts of southeast Asia.
The Senate bills and laws shall help establish the legal foundations necessary to regulate and develop the Halal industry thru legislative support like passing a law in providing financial support, technical assistance to meet the Halal standards. This includes potential tax incentives, subsidies for certification cost, and the establishment of government programs that facilitate entry into the Halal market.
The senate can also take part as an oversight institution, to ensure that relevant government agencies like DTI and National Commission on Muslim Filipino effectively implement policies. It can allocate funding to strengthen the capacity of MSMEs especially in less developed regions where the Halal industry has to thrived
The DTI HALAL National office with HALAL Task force created shall be working closely to DTI Regional offices as the operational backbone for MSMEs
