DTI opens halal-friendly Clark facility

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is setting up a temporary facility to offer halal-friendly foods and souvenirs in New Clark City, Tarlac for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

According to the trade agency, the facility will make available Halal options for athletes, guests and visitors in the 30th SEA Games, which will run from 30 November to 11 December.

“This is an independent facility close to the main venue to make available food (including Halal and Muslim-friendly) and non-food products (souvenirs-Likha ng Central Luzon, Go Lokal, Bangon Marawi) in time for the 30th SEA Games,” DTI Trade Promotions Group Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman said in statement.

“We are here to provide support and this is our way of contributing to the needs of this occasion.”

The move also comes after several calls from SEA Games participants particularly from Muslim nations for distinction between halal and non-halal food being served to athletes during the multi-sport meet.

DTi also said it will collaborate with the private sector to offer Halal, Muslim-friendly concessionaires and other local products for the opening of the games.

The SEA Games venue in Tarlac will host the aquatics (water polo, diving) and athletics (marathon, heptathlon, decathlon, among others) sports activities.