WHEREAS , it is the policy of the State to protect and promote the Filipino people ™s right to health and instill health consciousness among them;

WHEREAS , it is the policy of the State to promote and respect the rights and well-being of all Filipinos, including Muslim Filipinos, recognize their contribution to national goals and aspirations, and encourage their active participation in nation building;

WHEREAS , the State recognizes the importance of promoting the growth and expansion of industries which make full use of human and natural resources and which are competitive in domestic and foreign markets;

WHEREAS , the State likewise recognizes the need to establish product export strategies that will guide the export promotion and development thrusts of the government and to implement programs and activities geared towards the promotion of Philippine exports in the overseas markets;

WHEREAS , the establishment of a Philippine Halal Certification Scheme for food and non-food products will contribute toward:

1. The establishment of a national standards and certification scheme for halal food and non-food products and a national standards and accreditation scheme for establishments;

2. The opening of new markets and the development of strong consumer awareness of, and confidence in, Philippine halal food and non-food products;

3. The development and promotion of Philippine industries through the increase in the volume and value of Philippine halal food and non-food exports; and

4. The development of Philippine products which comply with halal standards established in accordance with Shari ™ah law and which are highly competitive and acceptable to the Muslim market;

WHEREAS , the establishment of a Philippine Halal Certification Scheme would contribute to the attainment of national peace and economic development through the establishment of the bond of respect and recognition among Filipino Muslims and Christians and the integration of Philippine trade and commerce into the customs and business practices of the Muslim world;

WHEREAS , the establishment of a Philippine Halal Certification Scheme is in accordance with our country ™s commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), specifically, the Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality and the Senior Officials Meeting-ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (SOM-AMAF), and with the efforts of SOM-AMAF to provide mechanisms for identifying halal food and non-food products in order that ASEAN member countries may better comply with international halal standards and processes;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO , President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law and the Constitution, do hereby order the following:

SECTION 1 . Designation of the Office on Muslim Affairs to Undertake Philippine Halal Certification and Regulatory Activities. - The Office on Muslim Affairs is hereby designated to undertake Philippine halal certification and regulatory activities. The Office on Muslim Affairs shall oversee the Philippine Halal Certification Scheme.

SECTION 2. Halal Certification and Regulatory Functions. - The halal certification and regulatory functions to be exercised by the Office on Muslim Affairs shall involve the following powers and functions:

1. Formulate policies, guidelines and developmental goals within the context of the Philippine Halal Certification Scheme;

2. Plan, facilitate, and supervise the implementation and monitoring of components and developmental activities relating to the Philippine Halal Certification Scheme;

3. Ensure strict implementation of and compliance with halal standards and guidelines;

4. Coordinate with appropriate agencies, both at local and international level as may be required, to ensure the enforcement of the Philippine Halal Certification Scheme and the acceptance of Philippine products certified under the Philippine Halal Certification Scheme;

5. Issue Halal Certificates to applicants;

6. Validate whether imported halal products complied with halal standards; and

7. Adopt measures to ensure the success of the Philippine Halal Certification Scheme.

SECTION 3. Training and Research. - A halal training and research facility to support the Philippine Halal Certification Scheme shall be established. Said facility shall be operated under the auspices of the Office on Muslim Affairs.

SECTION 4 . Funding. - Funds necessary for the initial halal certification and regulatory functions of the Office on Muslim Affairs shall be sourced from the Office of the President, upon submission by the Office on Muslim Affairs of its work and financial plan. Subsequent annual funding requirement shall be sourced from the General Appropriations Act and from the income generated by the Office on Muslim Affairs.

SECTION 5 . Rules and Regulations; Sanctions. - The Office on Muslim Affairs shall formulate rules and regulations, and impose sanctions as may be allowed by law to ensure compliance therewith, for the successful implementation of the Philippine Halal Certification Scheme; Provided, that the Office on Muslim Affairs shall consider the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 4109 in the formulation and eventual implementation of said rules and regulations.

SECTION 6 . Repealing Clause. - All executive issuances, orders, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with any provision of this Executive Order are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Executive Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

City of Manila, October 26, 2001.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary