Cagayan de oro: 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, DOST-10 project technical assistant Gellie Lam-an explained that obtaining halal certification for MSME products would expand their market.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lam-an mentioned that while some perceive the halal certification process as lengthy, it is more straightforward for those who already adhere to existing standards, as the focus is on compliance with Islamic requirements. Halal is the Arabic term for lawful or permissible, and 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 these standards, DOST-10 plans to conduct a series of evaluations and tests. Lam-an emphasized that the certification ensures safety for Muslims and benefits the general population. In collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, the region recently approved 14 new MSMEs for halal certification during the 8th Regional Halal Committee Meeting earlier this month. This achievement strengthens Northern Mindanao's efforts to empower local enterprises and enhance their competitiveness in local and global markets.