On December 16, 2025, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) launched its five-year Bangsamoro Halal Industry Development Plan (BHIDP), spanning 2025 to 2030. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) in partnership with other BARMM agencies, aims to position the region as a globally competitive player in the expanding halal market.
A New Vision for Economic Growth in BARMM
The BHIDP is a strategic plan designed to capitalize on the growing halal market, currently valued at over US$2 trillion and projected to reach US$2.8 trillion in the coming years. This market encompasses sectors including food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. The plan focuses on improving the quality and integrity of halal products and services within the region.
According to MTIT Minister Farserina Mohammad, the BHIDP marks a “historic milestone” for BARMM. She emphasized that the halal industry is no longer a niche market, but a rapidly expanding global sector, and that for the Bangsamoro, it represents not only an economic opportunity but also a core element of its identity and heritage.
Promoting Investment and Strengthening Regional Competitiveness
Attracting both domestic and international investment is a key component of the BHIDP. By establishing a stable regulatory framework and ensuring adherence to global halal standards, the plan seeks to encourage investment across various halal sectors. This is expected to generate employment opportunities in industries like food processing and hospitality.
The plan also aims to strengthen BARMM’s regional competitiveness through collaboration with ASEAN countries and within the broader BIMP-EAGA economic framework. The region intends to become a central hub for halal goods and services as international demand for these products increases.
Halal Tourism: A Growing Niche Market for BARMM
Tourism is a significant focus of the BHIDP, with halal tourism – catering to Muslim travelers’ specific needs – becoming increasingly important globally. BARMM is well-positioned to attract this market by developing infrastructure, including hotels and restaurants, that align with Islamic values.
Halal tourism includes religious pilgrimages, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism. BARMM could offer immersive cultural experiences showcasing its Islamic heritage and its natural landscapes, such as mountains, rivers, and coastal areas.
Empowering Local Communities and Promoting Inclusive Participation
The BHIDP prioritizes inclusive participation by empowering local communities through education, skills training, and collaboration with businesses. This approach aims to ensure that the economic benefits of the halal industry reach all segments of society, including women and youth.
Sustainability is also a core principle, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of the environment or local communities. BARMM aims to set an example for ethical and sustainable halal industry development.
A Regional Hub for Halal Products and Services
The halal industry in BARMM extends beyond tourism to include food production, agriculture, and other related sectors. The region aims to become a key supplier of halal products both within the Philippines and internationally. By creating a well-regulated industry, BARMM seeks to build long-term economic resilience.
BARMM’s Path to Becoming a Halal Industry Leader
Over the next five years, the implementation of the BHIDP could attract tourists, investors, and businesses to BARMM, potentially transforming the region into a major hub for halal tourism, products, and services. This move could also promote the region’s unique cultural and religious identity globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BHIDP?
The BHIDP is a five-year plan launched on December 16, 2025, designed to develop the halal industry in BARMM from 2025 to 2030.
What sectors does the BHIDP cover?
The BHIDP spans a wide range of sectors, including food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, tourism, and services.
Who is leading the implementation of the BHIDP?
The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) is leading the implementation of the BHIDP, in partnership with other BARMM agencies.
As BARMM embarks on this ambitious plan, what challenges and opportunities do you foresee in balancing economic growth with the preservation of cultural identity and sustainable practices?
