South Korea is showing strong interest in Philippine halal-certified products, creating potential opportunities for Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to enter the growing global halal market, according to National Commission on Muslim Filipinos-Davao (NCMF-Davao) Regional Director Arch. Sherrila Porza-Sawah.
Sawah said South Korea’s interest became evident during her recent participation in a halal exposition in Korea, where industry leaders raised concerns over the absence of Philippine halal products in Korean stores.
“In fact, I’ve been to Korea recently. So, yun nga, I went there for the Halal Expo. So, what happened is that, ang Korea is that they wanted, na sabi nila, ‘why is that that there’s no Philippine halal, halal products here in the Korean market?’ So, they are kumbaga, gusto nila magkaroon ng halal products doon,” Sawah told Edge Davao.
She noted that while entering the South Korean market remains challenging due to stringent certification and testing requirements, Korean stakeholders have expressed willingness to help Philippine products gain market access.
Sawah revealed that officials from Halal Korea Limited expressed concern over the lack of Philippine halal-certified products available in Korea.
According to Sawah, even halal-certified products from countries with established certification systems, such as Malaysia, undergo extensive evaluation before being recognized in South Korea.
Despite these challenges, she said discussions are underway to strengthen cooperation between Philippine and Korean halal stakeholders.
She added that the NCMF Central Office may invite officials of Halal Korea Limited to participate in a Halal Summit in Manila this September.
Sawah also proposed inviting MSMEs from across the country to participate in the event to showcase their products and connect with potential international partners.
“Nag-suggest din ako na why not also invite some MSMEs, from all over the Philippines para makapunta doon at makita nila, makita ng ibang partners. So, maybe they will get interested. So, kumbaga matulungan natin itong ating mga MSMEs,” she said.
She said NCMF-Davao continues to conduct halal awareness campaigns to educate businesses and communities about the economic opportunities offered by the halal industry.
“It is a trillion-dollar opportunity itong halal,” she said.
Sawah emphasized that helping MSMEs secure halal certification could provide significant socioeconomic benefits while expanding the country’s participation in the global halal economy.
NCMF-Davao has also partnered with Malaysian halal experts in previous programs to encourage more businesses to explore halal certification.
Looking ahead, Sawah said the commission plans to engage more members of the business sector, including major food establishments, to address the country’s shortage of halal-certified fast-food outlets.
“So, that’s one of the challenge because we wanted tourists to come here, especially the BIMP-EAGA. But to be honest, we have challenge kasi they are really strict when it comes to food. Just like, like last time, they came here, ‘Is there a fast, halal fast food here?’ Wala tayong mapakita,” she said.
She added that halal certification presents opportunities not only for Muslim consumers but for the broader market as well.
“And the good thing, halal is not just for Muslims, it’s for everyone,” she said.
