Bangsamoro Parliament bill seeks incentives for halal ventures

A BILL that will give incentives to halal ventures in the Bangsamoro region in southern Philippines has been filed in the autonomous area’s Parliament.

Member of Parliament Ali B. Sangki, who introduced Bill No. 183 or the Bangsamoro Halal Investment and Incentive Code Act, said establishing a halal-friendly investment policy will help the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) become a bigger player in the global halal industry and boost the local economy.

Incentivizing halal-oriented businesses “could boost BARMM’s bid for a share of the world halal market, which is estimated to be worth more than $ 4 trillion,” Mr. Sangki said in a statement.

The proposed law covers investments in the manufacturing and services sectors, halal economic zones, value chain facilities, banking and finance, educational and technological hubs, agriculture and fishery, and tourism.

Incentives include pioneer status privileges, tax breaks, and port duty exemptions, among others.

The Bangsamoro Board of Investment will administer the incentive scheme.

“As for the 11 million Filipino Muslims in the country, the surge in halal-producing industries in the region will provide a steady source of supply of essential halal commodities, giving Muslims opportunities to fulfill their religious obligations related to the stringent requirements for food consumption,” Mr. Sangki said.

RAMADAN
Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro transition government has modified the work schedule for public service workers in the region during this year’s observance of the holy month of Ramadan that starts March 23.

Muslim employees and officials who will practice fasting can have flexible working hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., based on a memorandum circular issued by the Office of the Chief Minister on Tuesday.

“This is in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 322 and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277 dated 13 November 1981,” the regional government said in a statement on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim called on the Bangsamoro community to fast with the objectives set out in Islamic beliefs and tradition.

“Let us deeply dedicate ourselves to purifying our intentions, fostering the highest level of discipline, and emanating generosity and mercy in observance of this significant spiritual journey,” he said. — MSJ