NEWLY CERTIFIED. Fourteen brands from micro, small and medium enterprises in Northern Mindanao receive their certification during the 8th Regional Halal Committee Meeting on Feb. 4, 2026, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry. The Department of Science and Technology also assists local entrepreneurs in obtaining the certification. (Image courtesy of DTI-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Science and Technology-Northern Mindanao (DOST-10) will assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in securing halal certification.
During a livestreamed briefing Friday, DOST-10 project technical assistant Gellie Lam-an said obtaining halal certification for MSMEs products would expand their market.
“Some would say that the process is too long to get a halal certification, but if they already followed previous standards, then it is easier because we only look whether they are following the Islamic requirements,” she said.
Halal is the Arabic term for lawful or permissible. In the Islamic context, it refers to regulations governing food production and consumption, which may also extend to non-food ingredients or raw materials.
To meet the standards, DOST-10 will conduct a series of evaluations and tests.
Lam-an said that the certification not only covers the safety of Muslims but will also benefit the general population.
In collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, the region has approved 14 new MSMEs for halal certification at the 8th Regional Halal Committee Meeting early this month.
The achievement strengthens Northern Mindanao’s efforts to empower local enterprises and enhance their competitiveness in local and global markets. (PNA)