Four local food processors and four other establishments could achieve “Halal” certification for its products following an audit by representatives of an accredited “Halal” certifying organization last week.
Under the initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office, the four Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), three hotel restaurants and the provincial government’s crab fattening project underwent onsite assessment last April 16, 2026.
The audit was conducted by Alejandro T. Deron, the Halal Focal Person and chief of the Cultural Affairs Division of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), and Ustadz Abdulbasit Magangcong Sulog, Bicol’s Grand Imam who was named as the official representative of the Alliance for Halal Integrity in the Philippines (AHIP).
The certification is expected to be awarded by next month, with the MSMEs and other food establishments from Catanduanes to join the 18 other food processors and two restaurants in the Bicol region that have been given the same certification.
Four other establishments in the island province of Masbate are also set to undergo assessment under the program started in 2024 by the DTI regional office.
Prior to the audit, 30 proprietors and representatives of food and accommodation establishments, as well as DOST and tourism officials, underwent an orientation on Halal readiness assessment and certification process.
In her message, DTI Catanduanes Provincial Director Ma. Belma Q. Escueta explained that “Halal” is an Arabic term meaning “permissible” or “lawful” under the Islamic Sharia’h Law and broadly applies to any activity or object although it is commonly used to refer to dietary restrictions covering food, drinks, and ethical practices.
“It defines what Muslims are allowed to consume and do, with pork, alcohol, and improperly slaughtered meat being forbidden or haram,” she said, adding that the practice emphasizes cleanliness, human animal treatment, and ethical conduct.
It also extends to other sectors, including pharmaceutical products which should be free of prohibited animal derivatives and certain types of alcohol, and finance, with Islamis banks not imposing interest on loans and refusing investments in ‘harmful’ industries such as gambling.
“Understanding these standards helps in identifying products and services that align with these specific ethical and religious guidelines,” PD Escueta stressed.
Virac Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr. expressed the full support of the local government unit to the initiative to encourage local businesses to go with the growing trend to patronize halal products.
During the orientation, Deron said the halal certification issued by an accredited third party is a mark of safety and quality, demonstrating that the product or service has been produced under strict Islamic standards.
“It provides consumers with an additional protection layer while assuring Muslim consumers that the food they purchase is safe and free from contaminants,” he stated.
The certification attests that an establishment, area/section, and processed products are compliant with Halal standards and Sharia’h Law; assures that it does not include any “haram” or forbidden components; and has in no way been in contact with any substance or objects considered as impure.
Aside from ensuring a high level of hygiene and safety of the product, the certification guarantees Muslim consumers that their religious principles have been respected.
There are an estimated 31,550 Muslims in the Bicol region, with Catanduanes accounting for 550 concentrated in Virac, Bagamanoc and Viga, while there are nearly 12 million in the entire country.
Islam considers the consumption of most food as permitted or “Halal” except for alcohol, intoxicants and illegal drugs, blood, carnivorous animals and birds of prey, dead animals and birds, immolated or burnt food, swine and its byproducts, which are considered “haram.”
An onsite assessment of establishments will consider the processing, storage, packaging and labelling, distribution, premises and facilities, and waste management.
A company shall employ or contract an appropriate number of Muslim Filipinos as Halal Production Staff and Halal Quality Assurance Office, Deron said.
For a micro business with asset size of not more than P3 million and 1-9 employees, the application, ocular inspection and surveillance would cost a total of P23,000, with the annual certification fee costing P5,000 per product.
Small businesses with asset size of P3 million to P15 million and employment of 10 to 99 workers would have to set aside P28,000 for the inspection process and P6,000 per product for the annual certification.
For hotels and restaurants, fast food, bakeshops, farms, slaughterhouses, warehouses and supply chains, the cost of annual certification goes up to P20,000 per establishment or services for micro businesses and P30,000 for small businesses.