Local Food Company Undergoes Halal Training with DOST-NCR to Break into a Fast-Growing Halal Market

The Philippine Halal industry is rapidly growing, driven by an increasing global demand for Halal-certified products, not just from Muslim consumers, but also by health-conscious individuals. Like their foreign counterparts, Halal food production in the Philippines is governed by strict standards to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws. Recognizing the importance of Halal and the opportunities that they present for Filipino food manufacturers, the Department of Science and Technology-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) conducted a Training on Halal Awareness for the Food Industry last January 24, 2025 at the LMG Corporation, one of the assisted companies under the agency’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).  

Ms. Bebviet Franz Bulagao from DOST-NCR’s Food Safety Unit, together with the DOST-NCR PAMAMAZON CASTO staff, facilitated the training for 20 LMG employees who are mainly engaged in toll packaging for marine-based food products such as dried fish, frozen steamed banana, shredded young coconut, and grated cassava.  
Among the topics discussed were Halal Concepts and Principles and the Internal Halal Audit, which aimed to strengthen compliance with Halal standards. This training is essential for companies that are looking to meet the requirements of global Halal standards to expand their market reach.   

Halal, an Arabic term meaning “permissible” or “lawful,” covers not only food and drinks but also other matters in daily life, including behavior and daily activities. Meanwhile, Halal food refers to food products that adhere to Islamic dietary laws as specified in the Qur’an and Hadith. In addition, the concept of Halal ensures that products are clean, safe, and ethically prepared, with a strong emphasis on humane treatment of animals, proper hygiene, and the absence of prohibited substances, such as pork and alcohol.   

As the international Halal industry continues to grow and evolve, training programs and internal audits will increasingly be vital to ensure that food producers, handlers, and vendors will maintain compliance to Halal standards while providing quality, Halal-certified products to their consumers. Through these initiatives, DOST-NCR affirms its continued commitment to promoting food safety, ethical food production, and economic opportunities for local enterprises that are aiming to enter the Halal market.  

By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU