DAVAO CITY — The Universal Halal Hub opened on July 28, 2026, at the corner of Pelayo and Magallanes Street in downtown Davao City, marking a significant step in the city's emergence as a primary Halal hub in Mindanao. The launch highlighted the 11th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo.
A Hub for the Growing Halal Market
The hub was conceived after expo attendees repeatedly asked where they could purchase Halal products beyond the event. Marilou W. Ampuan, CEO of PHTTE and vice-chairperson of the multisectoral Regional Halal Committee for the Davao Region, explained that demand drove the decision to establish a permanent outlet.
"This is the product of our advocacy," Ampuan said. She noted that clients needed continued access to products after the expo concluded. The hub ensures that Halal goods remain accessible to an expanding market, eliminating the guesswork for consumers seeking certified items.
Products from Neighbors and Local MSMEs
Shelves at the hub display over a hundred Halal products, including food items, health supplements, and handicrafts. Goods come from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, alongside offerings from local micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Lormy Papa, account development manager of Fly Ace Corporation, said half of their product lines are Halal certified, including noodles and canned goods. She emphasized that a dedicated hub makes shopping easier for consumers who might hesitate in regular supermarkets where Halal certification is unclear.
Beyond Goods: Health and Networking
The hub's ground floor includes a doctor's clinic, reflecting Ampuan's belief that Halal extends beyond products into health and wellness. The second floor hosts a function room designed to foster networking among traders and clients.
Monthly activities will be conducted in partnership with agencies like the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Agriculture. These sessions aim to promote product development and help MSMEs level up their offerings through training and Halal-related development programs.
Linking Davao to BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN
Ampuan expressed optimism about the hub's potential as Davao strengthens ties with regional neighbors. The city recently hosted the Davao-Borneo Growth Forum to enhance trade linkages with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
These connections help local companies position their products in foreign markets while bringing in goods from partner nations. The hub serves as the physical meeting point where these products become accessible to consumers and businesses alike.
A Powerful Economic Driver
The Halal market in ASEAN is valued at $600 billion, anchored on a Muslim population of 240 million across the bloc. This presents enormous potential for the Philippines and Davao City to tap into.
Ampuan described the Halal industry as no longer a niche market but a powerful economic driver capable of transforming communities and building bridges across cultures. Through renewed linkages with BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN, Davao is positioning itself at the center of this growth.
