The word halal is often associated with Islamic dietary laws, particularly meat and fowl that are slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines, although it has expanded beyond dietary restrictions to become a global industry, particularly in the food sector. Fish and seafood are generally considered halal; the same goes for fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, rice, wheat, beans, and lentils.
Halal food is always considered a healthier option because it is free from harmful additives and contaminants. In fact, its strict dietary laws ensure that the animals are raised and processed without harmful chemicals, antibiotics, or hormones. This strict adherence to procedures lessens the meat’s exposure to substances that could negatively impact a person’s health.
Many years ago, the Philippines lost out to our neighboring countries in our bids to host high-yield international Muslim events because we did not serve halal food. There were hardly any halal restaurants in the country that could cater to the dietary requirements of our Muslim visitors.
These past few years, however, we’ve had to find ways to compete with other countries to attract more Muslim visitors. Our country’s leading hotels have put up measures that cater to Muslim families and individuals who abide by the rules of Islam.
Late last year, the Department of Tourism designated a separate Muslim-friendly cove in Boracay to compete with the halal beaches in the Maldives and Thailand.
Marhaba Boracay, located at Newcoast, is the first-ever halal beach in the country. It’s a special-use area for Muslim families and individuals, taking into consideration their adherence to Islamic laws. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco declared the area “a safe, serene, and respectful environment where our Muslim guests can fully enjoy their time at the beach following their beliefs.”
I was also pleasantly surprised that, late last year, The Heritage Hotel Manila announced the launch of their halal buffet on selected days of the week. Curious as I was—because it was my first exposure to halal food—I tried every single item on the buffet. I wanted to find out how it tasted. I enjoyed every single one of them because they didn’t taste any different from the usual recipes. The steak was still as juicy and excellent, and I was very happy to know that one of my favorite desserts, baklava, is halal.
In the middle of last month, the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo celebrated its 10th anniversary at the SMX in Davao. This event promotes trade and tourism by showcasing a wide range of halal food, products, and services. It aims to further strengthen halal businesses in the country by promoting halal-certified products, as well as the development, processing, and marketing of agricultural products.
The other day, a similar event took place at the Quantum Skyview of Gateway Mall 2 at Araneta Center. The Salaam Expo featured the best of halal-certified products, Muslim-friendly travel deals, and culinary delights, and served as a vibrant celebration of culture and community.
Hundreds of eager visitors crowded the venue on its opening day, especially because the ceremonies had government luminaries participating — Senator Robin Padilla, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (both represented by their alter-egos), Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali, Isabela Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman, and, of course, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who led the ceremonial ringing of the gong.
Upon Secretary Frasco’s directive, Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar has worked hard in putting these events together, from the beach in Boracay to the expos in Davao and Quezon City. Kudos to her for her relentless efforts in lifting halal events to the consciousness of our countrymen and tourism stakeholders, highlighting their importance if we are to compete for our share of the lucrative halal tourism sector.
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