A DEAL between the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (BARMM-MTIT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is expected to advance Marawi’s Halal industry.
During the memorandum of agreement signing last Aug. 10 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, officials from DTI and BARMM expressed optimism about how the deal contributes to boosting Marawi’s economy.
“The signing of this agreement would herald in a new age of development in terms of commerce and industry that will benefit BARMM inhabitants, businesses, and beneficiaries, particularly those in Marawi City and neighboring communities in Lanao del Sur,” Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said.
Ebrahim also called upon the MTIT to ensure the implementation of the contract terms.
Meanwhile, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the MOA will create more business opportunities for Muslims as they cater to the needs of the US$2.3 trillion Halal food industry.
In an official statement by DTI XI, the Halal industry is seen to grow by almost 50% to US$3.4 trillion next year. As such, the Philippine Halal industry is considering the huge potential market of an estimated 1.9 billion in 2020 globally and is projected to grow up to 2 billion by 2030.
MTIT director general Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo said the initiative will focus on two industries–Halal and tourism.
“For the Halal industry, there is a huge demand for Halal in Bangsamoro but if we want to attract outsiders, such as Arabs and other Muslims from other countries, there is a place that champions Halal and that is BARMM,” Alonto-Sinarimbo said.
The MOA signing is part of the 2nd phase of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) project. The agreement outlines a detailed implementation plan, such as Shared Service Facilities (SSFs), to jumpstart manufacturing and create opportunities for souvenir and fabric makers. Pascual is also hoping that they can implement it within the year.
Pascual added that the project has a P66 million budget from the national government. “The budget allocation is for administrative purposes but for projects, it will depend on the opportunities brought to us,” he said.
During the 1st phase of the project, livelihood starter kits were provided, SSFs were established, and retail spaces for Maranao products were facilitated for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), according to an official statement by DTI XI.
Around P887 million worth of assistance was given to 20,000 IDPs during the 1st phase of the project, according to Abdul Rashid Macala, vice chair of the BARMM Business Council.
In the 2nd phase, the partnership targets to assist more than 100 MSMEs through capacity building, business counseling, and mentorship leading as Halal practitioners.
“Let us work together to improve the lives of the Bangsamoro by providing them with access to Halal industry, livelihood, entrepreneurship, investment, financial literacy, marketing access, and other services required for business establishment, efficiency and sustainability of business operations, effective business management, and product and service improvement,” Ebrahim said.
