Definition of Terms
- Accreditation: Formal attestation of competence of inspection/certification bodies.
- Certification: Third-party confirmation of conformance to Halal standards.
- Halal: Lawful/permissible under Islamic Law (Shariah).
- Processes: Activities transforming inputs to outputs.
- Products: Food and nonfood items marketed or sold as commodities.
- Recognition: Acknowledgment of validity of conformity assessment results.
- Services: Intangible results from providers to customers.
Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Program
- Comprehensive program to grow Halal industries and exports.
- Includes: development of Halal standards, accreditation of certification bodies, market identification and expansion, international agreements, compliance monitoring, industry promotion, consumer awareness, and infrastructure support.
Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board (Halal Board)
- Created as the policy-making body for Halal export development.
- Attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
- Involves Muslim Filipino organizations and NGOs in advisory capacities.
Powers and Functions of Halal Board
- Formulate and oversee Halal export program implementation.
- Coordinate development and harmonization of national Halal standards.
- Facilitate forging of international agreements for market expansion.
- Issue Philippine Halal Logo and set guidelines for use.
- Support establishment of umbrella organization for Halal certification bodies.
- Investigate complaints and disputes related to Halal standards.
- Request assistance from government/private sectors.
- Perform additional duties as necessary.
Composition of the Halal Board
- Chairperson: DTI Secretary.
- Vice Chairperson: National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary.
- Members: Secretaries of Agriculture, Health, Science and Technology, Foreign Affairs, Tourism; Governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Chairperson of Mindanao Development Authority; two Muslim Filipino professionals appointed by the President.
- Alternates allowed for ex officio members.
Secretariat of the Halal Board
- Established within DTI's Export Marketing Bureau.
- Staffed by DTI, NCMF, DA, DOH, and other agencies as needed.
Accreditation of Halal Certification Bodies
- Mandated to the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB).
- PAB to formulate policies, grant or deny accreditation, suspend or withdraw accreditation.
- Consultation and collaboration with Halal Board and stakeholders required.
Philippine National Standards for Halal
- Developed by:
- Department of Agriculture (BAFS) for primary/post-harvest foods.
- Department of Health (FDA) for processed foods, drugs, cosmetics.
- Department of Trade and Industry (BPS) for nonfood products.
- Halal Board assigns other relevant agencies for standards development.
Export and Trade Regulations
- Halal exports require certification, compliance with standards, and registration.
- Philippine Halal Logo use permitted with regulatory agency approval.
- Domestic certification voluntary; logo use allowed upon voluntary certification.
Export Promotion
- DTI and other agencies to enhance exporters' competitiveness via business matching, trade fairs, seminars, product development.
- Foreign Trade and Agriculture Service Corps to conduct commercial intelligence and marketing.
- Pursue international recognition of Philippine certification bodies and Halal products.
Infrastructure Support and Incentives
- Government, especially DA, to provide/upkeep common service facilities (slaughterhouses, warehouses, labs).
- Investment promotion agencies to grant fiscal/non-fiscal incentives for Halal industry growth.
Institutional and Human Resource Development
- Multi-agency program including DTI, NCMF, DA, DOH, DOST, CHED, TESDA, and private sector.
- Capacity building and skills training for producers and workers.
- Scholarship programs for relevant academic and technical education.
- Competency standards development and upgrading of higher education related to Halal.
Research, Development and Extension (RDE)
- Multi-agency collaboration to promote RDE to improve Halal products, processes, and services.
- Identify and support SUCs as centers of excellence for Halal.
- Enhance capabilities of regulatory agencies and certification bodies in Halal standards and laboratory analysis.
Applicability of Relevant Laws
- Apply fair trade, consumer protection, copyright laws, and regulatory agency charters to ensure compliance and proper logo use.
- Consumer protection and advocacy programs to educate consumers and prevent unfair trade.
Authority to Receive Donations and Grants
- Halal Board authorized to accept donations/endowments from local and foreign sources.
- Donations not to be used for Board's personal/operational expenses.
Appropriations
- Initial funding from DTI current appropriations.
- Subsequent funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
Transitory Provisions
- Dissolution of previous Halal Promotion, Development and Accreditation Board under NCMF.
- Transfer promotion/development records to Halal Board; accreditation records to PAB.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Halal Board to issue within 90 days from effectivity of the Act.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Laws inconsistent with this Act repealed or modified accordingly.
- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect validity of remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.