Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
Philippines: Manila hosts two-day World Halal Congress
2025-05-15
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 12 of the Philippines held the World Halal Congress on January 18-19 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in the Philippines.
The international conference provides a channel for experts, entrepreneurs, academia, government and consumers to discuss their perspectives on the Halal industry.
The Region 12 Science and Technology Department prepared several plenary sessions for the two-day conference and invited international speakers.
Issues to be addressed include halal technical regulations, the impact of science on halal, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises through halal science and technology and halal ecology.
The conference will be attended by Islamic scholars, Muslim intellectuals and scientists, international certification bodies, government officials, entrepreneurs, Muslim and non-Muslim consumers.
In addition, seminars on halal branding, halal standards, Islamic banking and finance are held.
In June 2015, the agency unveiled the halal seal for Region 12 of the Department of Science and Technology, signaling the Philippines' readiness to enter the global halal market.
During the 2015 Halal Congress, the Ministry of Science and Technology spoke about the importance of the mark, which follows the Organization of Islamic Countries' Standards and Metrology Institute (SMIIC) – a mechanism for harmonizing standards within the OIC.
The Department of Science and Technology of Region 12 said its quality or halal logo is internationally recognized. They "eliminate technical barriers to trade and exports" and add value to the product, as halal is an obligation for Muslims.
The agency added that those with the quality mark also have a better understanding of the halal market, international regulations regarding halal products, and industry updates and innovation strategies to succeed in the halal industry.
Region 12 Science and Technology Director Hadja Sittie Shayma Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan said that although the Philippines is a non-Muslim country, it is rich in halal products. In the process of protecting, preserving, developing and promoting halal products, the agency has intensified its efforts to ensure that science, technology and innovation can serve as the pillars of the halal industry, alongside the core of halal faith.