The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lanao del Norte and the Iligan City government conducted a comprehensive forum bringing together 23 grocery store representatives to promote compliance with the city’s halal ordinance and enhance fair trade practices. This initiative reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on halal and Islamic traditions as essential elements for strengthening tourism and cultural identity in the Philippines.

The Comprehensive Halal Ordinance Framework

The forum centered on discussing City Ordinance No. 24-7458, known as the Comprehensive Halal Ordinance. This legislation mandates that various business establishments implement specific halal compliance measures:

Covered Establishments

• Grocery stores and supermarkets
• Meat shops and butcheries
• Convenience stores
• Other food retail outlets

Mandatory Halal Lane Features

• Separate shopping carts exclusively for halal products
• Designated tools and equipment for halal product handling
• Exclusive weighing scales to prevent cross-contamination
• Separate checkout counters for halal-certified items
• Clear segregation from non-halal products to maintain food integrity

Strategic Objectives and Vision

DTI Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Jane Marie L. Tabucan outlined the initiative’s ultimate goal of positioning Iligan City as a model of culturally sensitive development. The strategy leverages the city’s significant Muslim population and strategic proximity to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Tabucan emphasized that making halal products readily available serves multiple purposes:

• Encouraging Muslim tourism to the region
• Promoting inclusivity and innovation in local business practices
• Supporting sustainable economic development
• Strengthening cultural identity and respect for Muslim dietary laws

Implementation Support and Business Assistance

Prior to this initiative, only Robinsons Place Iligan had established a halal lane. The current forum represents a significant expansion effort to assist more retail establishments in achieving ordinance compliance.

Recognizing the financial challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), DTI provides comprehensive support including:

• Business mentoring and guidance programs
• Product development assistance
• Labeling and packaging support
• Access to financing opportunities
• Navigation of costly halal certification processes
• Food and Drug Administration licensing assistance

Legal Framework and Certification Requirements

Lawyer Mohammad Salman A. Ibrahim from the City Legal Office clarified key legal provisions, particularly emphasizing that products cannot be labeled “halal” without proper certification from the DTI’s Philippine Accreditation Bureau. This requirement ensures authentic halal standards and prevents misleading labeling practices.

Maria Rhodora D. Omlero from the City Government’s Permits and Licensing Division noted that many business owners and staff were initially unfamiliar with halal standards. The forum served as an educational platform to clarify common misconceptions and provide practical guidance for implementation.

Business Community Response and Impact

Forum participants demonstrated strong support for the ordinance, recognizing its potential to:

• Build enhanced customer trust and loyalty
• Promote business inclusivity and cultural sensitivity
• Expand customer base within the Muslim community
• Strengthen supplier relationships across different sectors

Janoding M. Pala, non-food section supervisor at Puregold Iligan, highlighted the practical advantages of halal lane implementation:

• Attraction of more Muslim customers to retail establishments
• Increased customer satisfaction through culturally sensitive services
• Potential for expanding supplier networks
• Enhanced reputation for inclusive business practices

Historical Context and Ongoing Initiatives

“Halal-Friendly Iligan City” Launch!

In July 2024, DTI and the city government officially launched the “Halal-Friendly Iligan City” initiative during the Pakaradjaan Festival 2024. This launch included:

• Opening of the city’s first Halal Trade Expo
• Public commitment to promoting halal industry development
• Demonstration of support for inclusive economic growth
• Integration of halal practices into the city’s cultural and economic identity

Implementation Strategy and Next Steps

The forum emphasized the importance of coordination between businesses and DTI to ensure successful halal practice implementation. This collaborative approach includes:

• Ongoing consultation and technical assistance
• Regular monitoring of compliance standards
• Continuous education and awareness programs
• Support for businesses throughout the transition process

The initiative aims to significantly expand the network of halal-compliant businesses beyond the single establishment that previously offered halal lanes. This expansion strategy focuses on:

• Gradual implementation across different business sectors
• Tailored support for businesses of various sizes
• Community engagement and awareness building
• Long-term sustainability of halal-friendly practices

Building an Inclusive Economic Environment

The Iligan City halal forum represents a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and culturally sensitive business environment. By combining regulatory requirements with comprehensive business support, the initiative demonstrates how local governments can effectively promote diversity while supporting economic growth.

The proactive approach to halal compliance not only serves the immediate needs of the Muslim community but also positions Iligan City as a forward-thinking destination for Muslim tourists and businesses. Through continued collaboration between government agencies, business establishments, and community stakeholders, the city is building a sustainable model for inclusive economic development that respects cultural diversity while promoting commercial success.

This comprehensive approach to halal implementation serves as a potential template for other Philippine cities seeking to enhance their cultural inclusivity and tap into the growing halal tourism and commerce markets.

Original Article:

Philippine Information Agency. (2025, July 22). Forum in Iligan City promotes halal lanes, fair trade practices. PIA. https://pia.gov.ph/forum-in-iligan-city-promotes-halal-lanes-fair-trade-practices/