Quezon City- Department of Tourism (DOT) kicks off this June 14 the three-day SALAAM 2024: The Halal Travel and Trade Expo Philippines at the Gateway Mall 2 Activity Center in Cubao.

The event is committed to highlighting Halal-certified and Muslim-friendly products, services, and tourism establishments and attractions. It not only features Halal Gastronomy but also rummage into various facets of the Global Halal Economy, including Modest Fashion and Halal Travel. 

Attendees and participants of the three-day event are achieved  engagements in activities such  seminar workshops on various topics delving into Halal Tourism, culinary presentations, product showcases, cultural displays, a modest fashion show, and a wide array of rich tapestries of Muslim Culture.

In her keynote address during the first day opening ceremony, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expounded on the DOT’s advocacy to promote Halal tourism in the Philippines, as envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a multi-dimensional and inclusive tourism industry.

“To ensure that the Philippines is well-situated to capitalize on this global demand, our government, under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., is rapidly expanding our efforts to promote and enhance Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco emphasized.

“Aligned with our National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), we have placed Halal tourism high on our priority agenda to strengthen our Halal tourism portfolio, raise awareness among tourism stakeholders about the values and practices important to Muslim travelers, and ensure our competitiveness in the global tourism market,” the Secretary added.

DOT officials with Secretary Frasco present at the opening program included Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar, who spearheaded the Expo organizing team Chief of Staff Belle Biscocho, Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, with strong support and presence of Mindanao Region IX Director Dara May Cataluna, Region X Director Marie Elaine Unchuan, Region XI Director Tanya Virginia Rabat-Tan, and Region XII Director Nelia Arina, together with a number of central office directors and representatives of DOT attached agencies.

Other dignitaries and private sector personalities that participated at the opening day were H.E. Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik,  Malaysian Trade Assistant Trade Attache Adhwa Azmil,  Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Congressman Mujiv Hataman, DTI Halal Industry Development Office Program Manager Aleem Guiapal, President and CEO Ustad Alex Sultan of HICCIP, Nena Balindong of 

Meanwhile, highlights of the three-day program focus on the following themes: First Day – Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism, Second Day – Halal Certification Awareness and Muslim-Friendly Tourism Guidelines, Third Day – Halal Gastronomy Tourism.

Part of thr Exhibitors are Mubaarak Food, Berjaya Makati Hotel, Halal Development Institute of the Philippines (HDIP),National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Islamic Dawah Council of the Philippines ( IDCP), Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (HICCIP), Prime Group certifying body, Sabroso Camiguin’s Finest Tsokolate, Everything Tuna Gensan, Mama Sita’s, Blessed Harvest, Stips Chips, Diana Stalder, Kangkong King. Green food, Quezon best. B’Teavon Resto Bukidnon, Province of Sultan Kudarat, DOT Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism Bureau of Tourism.

///Mary Jane Olvina-Balaguer, +639053611058, maryjaneolvina@gmail.com and konekted@dzmjonline.net

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