BY RHUELLA SALDUA/UM Intern
THE 11TH Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (PHTTE) 2026 is set to take place from June 3 to 5 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere, bringing together local and international stakeholders to promote trade, tourism, and investment.
This year’s theme, “Leading the ASEAN Wave: Advancing the Philippine Halal Ecosystem from Local Excellence to Global Sustainability,” reflects the Philippines’ position as an emerging halal hub in the ASEAN region.
Organized by the Universal Islamic Center, Inc. (UIC), the three-day event marks its 11th year as one of the country’s premier international halal platforms, showcasing opportunities in trade, innovation, tourism, and sustainable development.
The expo will foster collaboration among government agencies, inventors, diplomatic missions, academic institutions, tourism stakeholders, business leaders, halal certifying bodies, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and global halal industry experts.
The event will feature international Halal trade exhibits, business-to-business (B2B) networking sessions, Halal tourism promotion and destination marketing, investment and trade matching opportunities, innovation and technology forums, cultural and heritage presentations, and MSMEs and community empowerment programs.
Free medical services will also be offered throughout the three-day expo with the support of the Department of Health and the City Health Office.
“There is a need to strengthen awareness of Halal among industry players and consumers, as many non-Muslims still perceive it as limited to food and intended only for Muslims,” said Marilou Ampuan, president and founder of the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo.
“Halal is an Arabic term meaning lawful, permissible, and allowable, and it offers benefits physically, mentally, and spiritually. Halal is also recognized as a healthy option for people of all backgrounds,” she added.
The event’s major highlight is the Philippine Halal Industry Summit scheduled on June 4, where industry leaders, policymakers, investors, researchers, and international experts will discuss key developments in Halal innovation, tourism, Islamic finance, technology integration, food security, and sustainable economic growth. It will also include discussions on “Innovation and Technology in the Halal Value Chain.”
Organizers expect participation from delegates across ASEAN countries, the Middle East, and other international markets, creating opportunities for investments, trade collaboration, tourism promotion, and business expansion. Additionally, the expo will underscore the contributions of local communities, Indigenous Peoples, Muslim communities, women entrepreneurs, and youth leaders in advancing inclusive economic development and preserving cultural heritage.
The expo represents the shared vision of building a globally competitive halal ecosystem that empowers communities, strengthens international partnerships, and promotes sustainable development for future generations.
