by: John Lester Naguna
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that 6.42 percent of Filipinos identify themselves as Muslims, according to its 2020 census.
As a result, the demand for halal-certified options has significantly increased.
Traditionally, the Islamic Center in Quiapo in Manila served as the primary hub for halal eateries and markets.
However, the halal food hub has already expanded beyond Quiapo.
Today, Metro Manila is embracing multicultural identity, evident in its diverse food offerings.
The region has become a melting pot of flavors, with halal food trucks parked alongside upscale restaurants, prayer rooms in shopping malls and a growing list of Department of Tourism-certified hotels.
The Philippine government’s National Halal Strategy (2023–2028) has played a crucial role in this transformation.
Supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, the initiative simplifies the halal certification process, previously drawing criticism for its being expensive or bureaucratic.
Additionally, the Department of Science and Technology has introduced a Halal Science and Technology Program aimed at strengthening the halal industry in the country. The DOST-NCR is dedicated to promoting the halal sector and providing scientific and technical knowledge to stakeholders in the National Capital Region.
The Department of Tourism is focusing on Metro Manila as a key destination for halal tourism. Its efforts include enhancing the certification process, improving infrastructure and forming partnerships with local governments, such as Manila and Taguig, cities with a significant number of Muslim residents. For instance, in 2022, Taguig launched a Halal Food Map to guide Muslim tourists.
In 2024, DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination and Resource Generation Shahlimar Tamano announced plans to simplify halal certifications for small businesses in Metro Manila, making it easier for them to participate in the growing halal tourism market.
“Our goal is to have, at least, 50 percent of restaurants in tourist zones offer halal options by 2025,” Tamano said.
Meanwhile, private enterprises are innovating. Startups including Halal PH connect consumers with certified vendors, while cloud kitchens cater exclusively to halal diets.
Despite progress, some hurdles remain.
Many small eateries avoid certification because of costs or lack of awareness. Misconceptions also persist: some equate “halal” solely with meat, overlooking requirements for alcohol-free flavorings and cross-contamination prevention.
Halal, however, is being integrated into the mainstream.
Popular fast food chains like KFC and Dunkin’s offerings are slowly transitioning to halal products, and the Department of Tourism plans “halal-friendly” tourism circuits.
The Philippine Halal Export Development Board also eyes global markets, leveraging Manila as a gateway.
Establishments seeking halal certification may reach out to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.
Metro Manila’s halal movement is more than a dietary shift—it’s a story of a city learning to nourish its diversity.
From government policies to the sizzle of kebab on a street-side grill, every step forward bridges cultural gaps, proving that inclusivity, much like good food, knows no bounds. (JLN/PIA-NCR)
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