Mediran, L. D. (2012). Breaking barriers: Tapping market opportunities for Halal foods (Unpublished master's thesis). Public Management Development Program, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Public Management Development Program. Middle Managers' Class. Thesis (MMC)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

1. The ReP Concern The integration of ASEAN into a single Economic Community by 2015 will create a huge market halal that the Philippines can take advantage of Muslims are required by their religion to consume only halal food. The total Muslim population in ASEAN is close to 300 million, with Indonesia topping the list at 195 million, followed by Malaysia at 15 million, Moreover the growing global recognition of the halal brand as one of good health, safety and quality, even among non-Muslims, further drives the demand for halal to higher grounds. Taking advantage of this opportunity, our neighbours, Malaysia and Thailand have taken major steps in the joint manufacture of halal food with international standards. Certainly, the Philippines must not be left behind. It has to remain competitive and to level up in terms of continuously growing the number of halal-certified companies and products, and in being able to differentiate its products branding and effective marketing strategies. 2. The ReP Intervention In support of national efforts to develop and promote the Philippine Halal industry, this REP focused on the Promotion of Halal during the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2013, DTI-CITEM's signature event for the food sector, to be held on 16-17 May 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. Halal will be a major feature of IFEX 2013, focusing on the promotion of the capability of the Philippines in the manufacture of halal food with the end in view of creating global recognition of the Philippines as sourcing hub for halal products. This can be attained through resonant and sustained efforts in IFEX and also in overseas events promoting the capability of the Philippines in this culture-based niche market. Halal promotion in IFEX 2013 includes the following components: a) halal cluster presentation, b) virtual buyer seller matching, c)awareness building, and d) holding of on-site special events. 3. Results of the ReP The interventions under this re-Entry project aim to contribute to the generation of additional export revenues from halal food, create jobs and business opportunities for companies that are part of the halal value chain, and reinforce the position of the Philippines as a credible and capable supplier of halal food to global markets.