MAKATI DISTRICT, PHILIPPINES — 20 September 2026 — The Philippine Halal Industry Summit 2026 (“Halal Horizons Philippines”) entered its second day at New World Makati Hotel, focusing on the development of the halal ecosystem through Islamic finance, agriculture, MSMEs, and tourism. Sakinah Finance, represented by its Founder and Professor of Islamic Accounting at Tazkia University, Murniati Mukhlisin, played a key role through strategic presentations and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
During the morning session, Murniati Mukhlisin who is also representing International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) Indonesia delivered a presentation entitled “Strengthening the Halal Ecosystem through Islamic Finance: Opportunities for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in the Philippines.” She highlighted the significant economic potential of the country’s halal sector, particularly given the concentration of Muslim communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and key urban centres. Under the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan 2024–2028, the government targets approximately ₱230 billion in halal-related investments and 120,000 new jobs over five years.
Despite its substantial agricultural, marine, and natural resources, the Philippines continues to face gaps in domestic halal production and remains reliant on imports to meet part of its halal-market demand. The Department of Trade and Industry has previously reported approximately USD 120 million in halal product imports, highlighting the potential for strengthening domestic production and developing the country’s halal value chain. Emphasising the importance of aligning products with their sources of financing, Murniati stated: “Halal integrity is incomplete if the food on the plate is pure, but its capital is built on exploitation.”
Also highlighting the sector’s potential, Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs, Finance, Management, and Administration Office, Department of Agrarian Reform, Amihilda J. Sangcopan, and Undersecretary for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Mindanao Concerns, Department of Agriculture, Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, discussed opportunities for investment and the development of halal agriculture. Completing the session, President/Chief Executive Officer of the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (HICCIP), Alexander M. Sultan, highlighted the important role of halal certification bodies.
Grassroots and MSME empowerment continued with presentations by Chief Executive Officer of Arkat Lawanen, Amielyn “Asliyah” M. Limbona; representative of Prime Asia Pacific, Mary Jane Alvero; and Chancellor of the Education Center for Culinary Arts, Ma. Veritas F. Luna, RND, PhD. They explored culinary excellence and shariah compliance for entrepreneurs.
The afternoon session turned to halal tourism. Associate Advisor for International Engagement at Kazai Ideas, Mr. Saifol Bahli, addressed service standards by explaining the distinction between “Halal” and “Muslim-Friendly” hospitality services. Reinforcing the importance of hospitality standards, Director of Halal Concept, Operations and Business Development at Fairmont Makati, Violet Maher, emphasised the essence of service: “Halal is bigger than just food. It is all about building guest trust from the very beginning.” The tourism session was further enriched by Chief Executive Officer of Philippine Heritage Kitchen, Chef Regina “Reggie” M. Aspiras, who discussed culinary tourism.
As a culmination of the commitment to collaboration, the agenda continued with the signing of MOUs between the NCMF Secretary and the Founder of Sakinah Finance, as well as between the NCMF and the Founder of Kazai Innovative Ideas Solution. The second day concluded with the presentation of accreditation certificates led by NCMF Commissioner Dr. Abunnapis O. Abdulmajid, SCL, further underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to developing a competitive halal ecosystem.
Source: Sakinah Finance Public Relations
