Halal industry growth: DOST-10 Regional Director Romela Ratilla discusses the department's support for the Halal industry in Northern Mindanao during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on March 25. She highlighted DOST's efforts in assisting local businesses with Halal accreditation and collaboration with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. (Photo: DCC/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Northern Mindanao actively supports the growth of the Halal industry in the region, recognizing it as a billion-dollar market.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, March 25, DOST Regional Director Romela Ratilla emphasized their ongoing efforts to help local businesses obtain Halal accreditation.
“We can do that easily kay atong gi-capacitate mismo atong mga staff. Aduna tay Halal auditors, naa pud tay Halal experts as resource persons,” she said.
(We can do that easily because we’ve trained our staff. We have Halal auditors and experts available as resource persons.)
Ratilla said DOST-10 has been involved in various Halal training sessions within and outside the region. Moreover, Northern Mindanao’s Regional Halal Council, led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), includes DOST as an active member.
The director said DOST also received a proposal from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) to collaborate on ensuring the availability and authenticity of Halal-certified products.
Ratilla expressed confidence in the future of the Halal industry in the region, citing the council’s organization and collaboration efforts.
“I am optimistic because the council is already well-organized. We have focused activities, and I believe we can achieve our goals for the Halal industry in Region 10 in the near future,” she added.
As of now, the region is home to four Halal-certified enterprises and products. (APB/PIA-10)
