Iloilo: Over 150 local products in Western Visayas have successfully met the rigorous halal standards, enhancing their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets and addressing the scarcity of halal-certified establishments in the region's tourist destinations. A halal seal was awarded to 20 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that produce processed food, heritage treats, and innovative pharmaceuticals after they underwent the stringent process of the Philippine National Standards for Halal, as stated by the Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas (DTI-6).
According to Philippines News Agency, the certified establishments include Sunshine's Breadmart and Filbake Food Corporation from Aklan; Hamtic MPC and Belison MPC from Antique; Capiz Cacao Producer's Cooperative, Progressive Women Agrarian Reform Cooperative, and Fergie's Food Products from Capiz; and Emhyu Food Products, Kitzsteinhorn Food Production, Kokomojo Mango Farm, NJST Fruit Farm, and McNester Food Products from Guimaras. Additionally, Sunbursts Balay Tablea, Pharma Galen-X Innovations, Inc., Einar's Natural Food Export, Maridan Industries, Inc., Kape Iloilo Coffee Trading, Al Di Foods, Inc., Avance±a-Cami±a Balay Nga Bato, Inc., and Fiesta PH Bakery Products Manufacturing from Iloilo were also certified.
The certification granted to these enterprises is valid for three years, during which they must comply with strict monitoring protocols, as mentioned by the DTI. The recent conferment ceremony also included the formal signing of the Halal Certification and Monitoring Agreement (HCMA) between the MSMEs and the Philippine Ulama Congress Organization Incorporated (PHILULAMA). This agreement allows the certifying body to conduct unannounced inspections and revoke certificates if standards are not maintained, ensuring that the "Halal" label remains a trusted guarantee of purity for consumers.
DTI-6 emphasized that they will continue to monitor these enterprises through local Business Counselors to ensure they uphold these world-class standards as they represent the best of Western Visayas on the global stage. The journey to obtaining the halal certification began in 2024 when DTI gathered MSMEs for a regional orientation and introduced them to the global halal market, which is projected to reach USD4 trillion by 2028.
