The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Mindanao into a premier global Halal gateway, spearheading strategic initiatives during the 11th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (PHTTE) 2026.
Under the theme “Leading the ASEAN Wave: Advancing the Philippine Halal Ecosystem from Local Excellence to Global Sustainability,” the Expo highlighted Mindanao’s pivotal role within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Delivering a message on behalf of MinDA Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, Director IV Rodrigo B. Giducos emphasized that the Halal industry has evolved far beyond traditional dietary requirements.
“Today, Halal is no longer confined to food alone,” Secretary Magno stated. “It now extends to tourism, wellness, fashion, finance, logistics, and digital commerce, creating enormous opportunities for Mindanao. Through platforms like this Expo, we are creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and policy collaboration that will help our enterprises compete globally.”
The event brought together a diverse coalition of international and local stakeholders, including representatives from the European Union, UNIDO, and the Malaysian Consulate. Marilou W. Ampuan, Al Haj, Founder and President of the Universal Islamic Center, noted that collaboration is the “secret sauce” to global competitiveness.
“Together, we can position the Philippines as a truly trusted Halal destination… creating more opportunities for our MSMEs and attracting vital investments,” Ampuan remarked.
The Expo featured intensive plenary sessions focused on:
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Scaling Local Products: Methods to meet international standards for the ASEAN market.
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Innovation: Integrating technology into the Halal value chain.
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Lifestyle & Finance: Expanding the “Halal Beyond Food” movement.
These discussions align with MinDA’s recent leadership at the 48th ASEAN Summit and the Special BIMP-EAGA Leaders’ Summit in Cebu City, where the agency highlighted the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a strategic driver for regional economic cooperation.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand regional economic opportunities, MinDA continues to push the Mindanao Halal Industry Development Program. By strengthening certification systems and facilitating business matching for MSMEs, MinDA is ensuring that Mindanao isn’t just participating in the global Halal economy—it is leading it.
