Assessment of the Potential in Halal Tourism in the Philippines: The Case of the Municipality of Bayang, Lanao del Sur

This study aims to determine the Halal Potentials of Bayang, Lanao del Sur in developing halal tourism. The sources used in this research were primary sources gathered according to actual observations based from history on the current halal local tourism in Bayang, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. This research employed ethnography. Ethnography describes the culture of an ethnic group or people. The ethnographer employed fieldwork that entails participant observation, interviewing, and observing the customs and practices of the people including their life. The study’s results indicate that Bayang, Lanao del Sur has the potential to build a halal tourism spots since Bayang is one of the most notable, and historical places not only in Mindanao but also in the world. There are a lot of historical places in Bayang that serve as the sign of bravery and maratabat of Bangsa Meranaw who fought for the religion and their independence of the whole municipality. The success of their landmarks depends on the government support, incentive, infrastructures, cultural, culinary, and natural attractions. The location’s predicament is that there are still challenges related to the development of human resources involving in the tourism industry. This research requires all stakeholders' commitment to make Bayang Lanao del Sur a world-class destination for halal and sustainable tourism.